3 Commanders players that must unlock their true potential in 2023
By Dean Jones
Chase Young - Commanders DE
It's now or never for Chase Young. There is absolutely no getting away from that whatsoever.
While the Washington Commanders still believe he can become the game-wrecker many expected coming out of Ohio State, they covered their bases by not picking up his fifth-year option. Something that came under scrutiny but was the right call considering how many injury problems the defensive end suffered over the last two seasons.
Young returned to the practice field throughout Washington's mandatory minicamp and looked explosive. The Commanders are taking things slow to prevent any further complications from emerging, but head coach Ron Rivera was clearly excited to have such a prominent presence back involved.
Whether Young will ever live up to the generational hype that surrounded him as the No. 2 overall selection in 2020 remains to be seen. But there's nothing to suggest he cannot become forceful on a defensive front stacked with legitimate first-round talent.
Obviously, being available is the key component here. If Young manages to put a consistent run of games together, then everything else should take care of itself.
If not, then he might not see out the campaign in Washington.
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