3 Commanders players with the most to prove in 2023
By Dean Jones
Chase Young - Commanders DE
There are few players around the NFL under more scrutiny than Chase Young entering the 2023 season. One could even argue that aside from the quarterbacks, he's No. 1 on the list of those with the biggest point to prove.
The Washington Commandes drafted Young at No. 2 overall during the 2020 NFL Draft in the hope he could become the dynamic game-wrecking defensive end many analysts projected. It looked like that might be the case en route to NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in his first campaign, but it's been a concerning career trend ever since thanks to injury.
With 12 games and 1.5 sacks over the last two seasons, it came as no surprise to see the Commanders decline Young's fifth-year option before the deadline. This could potentially leave them in a predicament next spring with Montez Sweat also looking for a new deal, but Ron Rivera couldn't gamble on the former Ohio State star ridding himself of the bad fortune that's blighted him of late.
This lays down the gauntlet to Young in no uncertain terms. The edge presence must stay healthy and put up the numbers needed to excel, or this could genuinely be his final season in the famous burgundy and gold.
Letting Young walk after four years seemed inconceivable during his pre-draft process given his generational projections. But the reality is often disappointing and unless things change dramatically, it's hard to envisage a scenario where he's still around in 2024.