Steve Seufert | June 14th, 2020
Out goes Bruce Allen and an entirely new regime comes in. After Allen left, it seems like things have been pretty quiet, well except for Trent Williams, which was Allen’s fault to begin with. Redskins fans have been patient but aggressive, and I understand the restlessness. It’s time for us to kick our feet up and watch a true rebuild. Whether this regime rises or falls, it’ll certainly be a breath of fresh air compared to Jay Gruden and Greg Manusky. Let’s just enjoy it!
Make sure to check out all of our other team award predictions here.
MVP: Terry McLaurin
I think many evaluators and fans will see eye to eye with this one, and that doesn’t happen often. McLaurin is a budding star and headed for a breakout year if you didn’t already consider last year to be the breakout season. He’s interesting because he was knocked for his age coming out of Ohio State but the polish and intangible things went unnoticed.
His ability to instinctively play all three receiving positions is what stands out the most. The release against press already ranks with some of the best in the NFL and that can all be attributed to Brian Hartline; his receiving coach at Ohio State. Don’t forget about the speed against off-coverage. McLaurin can move all around the field for Washington, and I expect him to hit that 1,000-yard landmark in 2020.
Highest Graded Rookie WRs of the Decade
1. Odell Beckham – 91.2
2. Terry McLaurin – 86.5
3. Michael Thomas – 86.3
4. Mike Evans – 84.0 pic.twitter.com/LXObssZ5x6— PFF (@PFF) June 8, 2020
Offensive Player: Dwayne Haskins
I’m so intrigued by Haskins and I think fans all across the league share that sentiment. Each year we fall into a trap of players that are posting workout videos, like when Terrelle Pryor was in the gym all day or when Jameis Winston started losing an absurd amount of weight. Haskins is doing the same thing but it seems different. He’s now flashing six-pack abs, and if you go back and watch his high school tape, I’m not sure he’s ever seen six-pack abs.
Important people like Scott Turner, Ron Rivera, and McLaurin are all vouching for his work ethic. Rivera says Haskins has taken their conversation to heart, and ever since he was hired, Haskins has been all in. Most can agree that he has the intangibles but the lack of focus has been an issue, and McLaurin has brought that up numerous times stating Dwayne’s focus has improved tremendously. Hard works wins over locker rooms. He has the tools and he’s a natural processor, with the added focus and health, I’m all in on Haskins in year two.
Dwayne Haskins ranked 10th in PFF passing grade from Weeks 9-17 in 2019 pic.twitter.com/cEIq1zraA3
— PFF (@PFF) May 29, 2020
Defensive Player: Jonathan Allen
Allen missed time in his rookie season but he’s since added 14 sacks over the last two seasons. He’s also really dynamic against the run, chasing guys down from the backside or just taking on double teams to help free up linebackers. He’s a do-it-all defensive tackle but more importantly, he’s the best leader this organization has had in a long time. He doesn’t just lead by example but he has everyone’s back, even the coaches he probably didn’t always agree with. That type of loyalty demands respect and is crucial for the development of this young team.
There are a lot of mouths to feed on this defense between, Ryan Kerrigan, Da’Ron Payne, Matthew Ioannidis, Montez Sweat, and Chase Young. That means you might have to dip into the pressure statistics to really feel the impact of Allen. However, I think a steady six to eight sacks is fair but the leadership of a potentially good defense is what makes him my defensive star.
Most tackles by a DL in 2019
Cameron Heyward – 83
Davon Godchaux – 75
Danielle Hunter – 70
Grady Jarrett – 69
Jonathan Allen – 68
Joey Bosa – 67
Matthew Ioannidis – 64
Michael Brockers – 63
Carlos Dunlap – 63
DeForest Buckner – 62
Kenny Clark – 62
Sheldon Richardson – 62— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) June 6, 2020
Offensive Rookie: Saahdiq Charles
Most of you weren’t expecting this and I get it. This isn’t the sexy pick like Antonio Gibson or Antonio Gandy-Golden would be but Charles has a clear shot to start at not one but two different positions. The LSU National Champion was taken in the fourth round by the Redskins and he had been heavily linked to them for some time. With a need at left tackle and left guard, Charles has a clear path to start at whichever one fits him best.
Here’s the good stuff. I evaluated Charles as a second-round talent and there were some sharp minds that had him even higher. He fell because he reportedly lacks discipline and he’s more of a follower than a leader. He had a major disciplinary issue during all three of his seasons at LSU and many rumor that to be for an absurd amount of failed drug tests that stem from chronic marijuana use. If Charles leaves that in his past, he could be a starting left tackle in the national football league, and a good one at that.
Defensive Rookie: Chase Young
How much time do I need to spend on this one? This is pretty cut and dry. Young is one of the best pass rushing prospects this league has ever seen, and if you disagree, you must be a Dallas Cowboys fan. Is he the next Jevon Kearse or Julius Peppers? I don’t think so. I think Young is the next Young and he seems perfectly fine with creating a name for himself.
As I mentioned with Allen, there are a lot of mouths to feed. Young’s situation is a little different because he’s coming off the edge and feasting off the vicious interior pressure that will be provided. He will also remain fresh, as Kerrigan will play sparingly behind him. I’m on the double-digit sack train. I think he can accumulate 10 sacks in year one and win the defensive rookie of the year award.
Chase Young came back with a vengeance!
😤 4 TFL
😤 3 Sacks
😤 Broke Ohio State's single-season sack record (16.5) pic.twitter.com/d3RFkQGO9u— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 24, 2019
Biggest Surprise: J.D. McKissic
I could’ve gone safe with a guy that is guaranteed a roster spot but I love McKissic. Turner loves to operate out of 21 personnel and that includes in shotgun, where he will use two backs and motion them out in the slot or flats. Lining up in 21 personnel and playing uptempo will require defensive coordinators to keep their team in a base defense. I think McKissic fits that narrative perfectly as he’s a former collegiate receiver but let’s not forget he has some juice as a pure running back. Could you imagine Haskins lining up in shotgun with Derrius Guice to his left and McKissic to his right? If McKissic makes this team, and he should, don’t be surprised if he catches 45 to 55 balls.
A guy I’m underrated excited about for the #Redskins in 2020? JD McKissic. Read why here https://t.co/yQcRKbDwVH
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) June 12, 2020
Biggest Disappointment: Antonio Gibson
I think there are unfair high expectations for Gibson. Adrian Peterson is aging and fans have started to fall out of love with Guice. Not to mention, Rivera and Turner keep hyping Gibson by comparing him to a Christian McCaffrey like talent. Let’s be real, that’s ridiculous. He had a total of 77 touches at the D-I collegiate level. Sure, those touches were explosive but there’s more to the tape than the numbers indicate.
Gibson isn’t a good route runner, and even though he had more catches than carries, I think he’s purely a running back and ball carrier at the next level. I’ve seen nothing that would indicate Gibson being better than Guice and the versatility seems a little overblown. Yes, he runs a 4.3 and can stretch the field but he’s also struggled with drops. If your coaches are comparing him to the best running back in the NFL, yes you’re going to be set up for disappointment.
Questions and comments?
thescorecrowsports@gmail.com
Hit us up on the Socials:
Twitter @thescorecrow
Reddit at u/TheScorecrow
Facebook at The Scorecrow
Instagram at The Scorecrow
Check out our Facebook Group where you can read and post articles at The Scorecrow
Reddit Group where everyone can post without fear of being banned at The Scorecrow
Follow Steve Seufert on Twitter @FFSteve_
Main Image Credit:
[getty src=”1184516862″ width=”594″ height=”411″ tld=”com”]
