Ever since the Washington Redskins locked up the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, it has almost been a foregone conclusion that they would select Ohio State defensive end, Chase Young. With the Cincinnati Bengals seemingly a lock to draft LSU’s Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick, it seems almost too easy for Washington to just take Young — who is thought to be a generational talent and quite possibly the best player in the 2020 draft class — and move on with it.
However, there was one player in the College Football National Championship that put a stamp on his career year, and he just might be good enough to warrant a look from the Redskins before April rolls around.
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That player is Isaiah Simmons, a linebacker out of Clemson. Before the National Championship game, Simmons was already recognized as the top linebacker in this years’ draft class, and many expected him to be selected somewhere in the top-10, maybe even the top-5. However, his seven tackles, one sack, and instrumental effect on the game Monday night might have caused a few people in Washington to rethink their no-brainer pick of Young.
One player who cemented his status Monday night as a top pick in the April NFL Draft was Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons. A standout. Will be interesting to see if Simmons can challenge Chase Young for the top defensive player drafted.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2020
Here’s the case for drafting Simmons over Young. If you’re Washington, you don’t really need another edge rusher, with Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan already on the roster. Add in the breakout year that Ryan Anderson had in 2019, and you’re pretty much set at that position. However, a major position of need for the Redskins is at linebacker alongside Reuben Foster and Cole Holcomb. This draft pick would then suit need over talent, and they could be set with a stout defense for years to come, should Kerrigan get back to his dominant ways after a down year in 2019. In his time at Clemson, Simmons finished with 148 total tackles, 11 sacks, and four interceptions. Comparatively, Young finished his career with 68 total tackles and 30.5 sacks at Ohio State.
Still, many — including us — believe that with the No. 2 overall pick, it is better to draft the player with the most upside and figure out a fit later. Young is thought to be a future Hall-of-Fame talent, and the Redskins’ move to a 4-3 defense under Jack Del Rio is a perfect fit for him to succeed alongside Sweat. Still, Simmons’ performance in the CFP Title game should at least be noticed in Washington, as they now have two defenders who could completely change the outlook of their defense in 2020 and years to come.
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