Winner No. 3
Chase Young - Commanders DE
Another week of unhindered practice for Chase Young is in the books. Based on how the defensive end performed according to those in attendance, big things could be in his immediate future.
Young just looks different this offseason. There is an added self-confidence from being fully healthy and practicing without a knee brace, which is bringing about the sort of production we came to expect from the former Ohio State standout during his rookie campaign.
The No. 2 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft has been blowing up the edge consistently. Young is causing havoc on a three-down basis and letting everyone know about it for good measure.
Simply put, Young has his swagger back.
This is going exactly how the Washington Commanders planned. They'll still take things easy with Young throughout the preseason, but all signs point to the edge presence being ready to rock in Week 1 unless there is an unfortunate turn of events beforehand.
Young is highly motivated to silence his doubters and the Commanders could have a future problem on their hands with both starting defensive ends out of contract in 2024. However, Ron Rivera needs all the help he can get right now with his own job on the line next season, so he'll worry about that when the time comes.