INDIANAPOLIS – Well if you weren’t one of the many swept up in the latest edition of Tom Brady news this morning, chances are, you were focused on one specific prospect speaking at the Indiana Convention Center Thursday.
We’re talking of course, about highly-touted Ohio State defensive end, Chase Young.
Despite passing on working out at the NFL Scouting Combine, Young is still expected to be a top-5 pick from this year’s class, after he led the Buckeyes to the 2019 College Football Playoff by recording 16.5 sacks and six forced fumbles during a very impressive season.
There may have been eight podiums occupied by athletes at the time, but the majority of the media flocked to podium No. 5, where Young was speaking at the time.
“I definitely think I’m the best player in the draft,” Young said. “I think I showed it in my tape. You go to every game, I think I showed it, and I definitely think I put my best foot forward this year. I grinded hard. Two of biggest things are hard work and dedication, and I’m bringing (them) to the NFL with me.”
Young considers himself the best player in the Draft. “I think I showed it on tape.” pic.twitter.com/853hlRdPrF
— Brendan Connelly (@BConn63) February 27, 2020
Dozens of reporters started waiting for Young’s arrival as early as 9:15 a.m., about 20 minutes before he made his appearance. The Washington D.C. media presence was strong at the time, understandably. Young was raised in the D.C. area, and the Redskins currently own the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Most have penciled in LSU quarterback, Joe Burrow, as the top overall pick. Which begs the question – which side of the ball will Washington be looking to upgrade at through the draft?
If the Redskins feel as though they can move forward with Dwayne Haskins Jr. as their quarterback for the future, a return home may very well be in the cards for Young. If not however, some believe the team may take Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa with the pick, ushering in a new era.
Until that time comes, Young is expected to continue to hold formal meetings with NFL teams. The 20-year-old is expected to talk with the Redskins tomorrow.
“It would mean a lot,” Young told reporters. “Going back up, playing in front of my hometown people, it would definitely be a blessing. Everybody who’s known me since I was younger could come to a game, things like that. But I’m not focused on who could draft me. I’m focused on being the best player, the best person that I could be, and impressing coaches at the Combine.”
