The Chase Young Debate….
I believe the redskins should do everything in their power to move from the number 2 pick and skip on drafting Chase Young... Here’s why
At first thought, the idea of avoiding a generational pass rusher like Young is surely inconceivable, right? Size? Check. Speed? Check. Motor? Hell Yes. He has the talent and ability to transform a defence and has been touted as not only the best pass rusher in this draft but the best PLAYER and will give a struggling franchise a new hero to cheer on week after week as he chases after the NFL's most established play callers. But here is the thing…
The Redskins were horrible last season, there is no denying that. They limped to a 3–13 record, suffered another injury to (hopefully) franchise running back Derrius Guice, blooded first round quarterback Dwayne Haskins (who the jury is still out on) and caught the eye of the NFL and fans everywhere with the mismanagement of franchise left tackle Trent Williams. This team has a lot of gaps they need to address before they become relevant again and i personally think they could pull off a masterpiece here but it involves two moves, one they have done and one they should do and they are very closely linked
Trade Trent Williams:
Williams is an elite LT still and is only 31 years old and I think he could be worth a premium to a contender that does not have an early-mid 1st round pick. This draft has 4 great talents on the offensive line but only one has had extensive experience playing on the left side (two if you count Jedrick Willis) who, although played RT was Tua Tagavialoa’s blindside protector. The skins have given Williams the permission to seek a trade and I hope (for the sake of the skin) he chooses a team that is able to exchange draft capital. ( Latest reports say the Redskins have had a few offers for picks in this year's draft but have knocked them back and instead of leaning towards a higher pick in next years draft) If I was the redskins I would just cut bait, move on, and take what I could get even though it may be under what he is worth. The problem is that this class is loaded with offensive lineman so it is going to be easier to find one so Washington NEED to cash in now.
Apparently they have asked for a second round selection and no team has come forward, if I was them I would approach Miami and offer him up. As they have massive draft capital (6 top 70 picks ) and make the offer of Williams and a 5th for a 2nd round pick (56 overall) meaning its a win-win as Redskins get a draft pick and move on, and Miami can solidify its offensive line and be able to take a RT earlier. They can use this pick perhaps to get a weapon to pair with Mclaurin
Trade down in the draft:
Ok so hear me out…
For as bad as Washington was last season I'm not sure Chase Young makes them better. People seem to forget that they had a great defensive line last year. Ryan Kerrigan, Da’Ron Payne, Johnathon Allen, Montez Sweat….. Man, that's a line that commands respect. They were 10th in sacks, tied 12th in picks, and forced 16 fumbles. Their defense (especially the line) isn't the problem... They gave up points because they were on the field for so long and had to contend with an offense that gained less than 4500 yards for the entire season. Chase Young does not fill a position of need but they are in a great spot to use the potential of Young to sell to the highest bidder.
I think the Redskins will have a franchise quarterback on their roster in 2021. But its definitely not Alex Smith and I don't think Haskins is the guy. They will also need an offensive lineman to protect the guy as they were one of 7 teams to give up 50plus sacks last year. There are franchise changing offensive lineman in this draft and I think there is one, and ONLY one I would target if I'm in the redskins front office.
Draft Andrew Thomas:
The left tackle from the Georgia Bulldogs would be ideal as not only (in my opinion) is he the most fundamentally sound offensive lineman in the draft, but he also has the most experience playing at the most important position on the offensive line. Also maybe the biggest factor that I think comes into play is that he could potentially be the FOURTH lineman taken meaning there could be a higher return on draft selection. If I'm Washington I would immediately contact the OAKLAND RAIDERS and offer Chase Young to them for picks 12,19 and a 2021 1st or 2nd. Considering the haul that Cincinnati could hypothetically get for a 1 year QB that burst onto the scene I honestly feel pick 2 is worth more than pick 1 as the better player will be there at pick 2.
Washington is then able to draft its replacement left tackle in Andrew Thomas at #12 and also be able to improve another area at #19 by taking Justin Jefferson from LSU. The 6'3 receiver would be the perfect compliment to Mclaurin
Conclusion:
Will this happen? Probably not, considering that Rivera would love another defensive weapon
But there is a theory to the madness.
Washington pass on the guy that any team HAS to take, that plays a position they don't need, they get a brand new weapon they need (which in turn helps their defense) and they have their franchise left tackle who will already have a year of NFL experience when they nab one of the elite signal-callers next year.
