Why Washington must draft Ohio State's Chase Young

There are a few things that every single NFL coach, front office and fan base dreams of. Winning a Super Bowl and landing a generational talent. Washington has dreamed of a Super Bowl for three decades, but its hopes have yet to become a reality.

However, Washington has a chance at something else: an opportunity to select a generational talent with the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. This unbelievable phenom’s name is Chase Young. Will Washington drop the ball like it is notorious for doing, or will Ron Rivera usher in a wave of change in the nation’s capital? 

Drafting Chase Young: Washington is under a brand-new regime. Ron Rivera comes into an organization that has been crippled by a hated former front office led by Bruce Allen. Rivera recognized this and completely cleaned out the coaching staff and front office. 

One of his most notable hires was defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, who has an impressive resume of working with elite pass-rushers: 

• In 2002, Del Rio was a part of the Carolina Panthers staff when they drafted Julius Peppers with the second overall pick.
• In 2011, the Broncos drafted Von Miller with the second pick. A year later, Del Rio becomes the defensive coordinator. 
• It is often said that “history repeats itself.” Peppers and Miller were each selected early and went on to win a Defensive Rookie of the Year. Furthermore, they combine for 17 Pro Bowls, and Miller is a former Super Bowl MVP. Washington has the chance to select a generational pass-rusher, just like Peppers and Miller. If Washington decides to go down that path, history will be on its side.

Drafting a quarterback: Washington drafted Dwayne Haskins with the No. 15 pick in 2019. While he had a relatively poor rookie year, his supporters argue it was due to the midseason coaching change, a porous offensive line, underwhelming play-calling and a lack of weapons. Meanwhile, his critics pointed to Haskins missing wide-open receivers and making poor reads. With that said, he was only a rookie.

• Joe Burrow is expected to be the No. 1 pick in April. The Bengals seem locked on making Burrow their franchise quarterback, but there have been rumors that he will refuse to play for them. It’s worth noting that Burrow is from Ohio, and he has stated he is willing to play for any team that drafts him. 
• The other top quarterbacks available are Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert and Jordan Love. Will Washington really take any of them? The 49ers are a perfect example that you don’t need an elite quarterback to go to the Super Bowl. Washington might be more inclined to build the offensive line while relaying on Derrius Guice, Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson to carry the team to some wins. 
• In 2018, the Arizona Cardinals selected Josh Rosen with the 10^th overall pick. A year later, they drafted Kyler Murray with the first overall pick. A year after finishing 3-13, their record only improved by two wins to 5-10-1. Washington might see this and understand there is more to a football team than just the quarterback.

Trading Down: In 2012, Washington made a historic deal by trading up to the No. 2 pick to select Robert Griffin III. Now in 2020, it owns the same pick in a quarterback-rich draft class. Will a team like the Dolphins entice Washington with a trade it can’t refuse? 

• Washington has a lot of holes on its roster. Its offensive line has potential, especially if Trent Williams returns after holding out last season. But even if Williams returns, its line needs help. Even more so if it wants to mimic the 49ers’ ground-and-pound formula.
• With the release of Josh Norman and given Quinton Dunbar’s frustrations, Washington is thin at corner. Trading down could provide the franchise with an opportunity to fill multiple needs instead of just one.
• Washington does not own a second-round pick. Trading down could provide the team with multiple first-round picks in the future and a second-round pick this year.

The bottom line

Washington must draft Chase Young. There are plenty of options for the franchise, but the smartest decision is sticking with the generational talent 

Putting Young on a defensive line that already features Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat could make one of the best D-lines in the NFL. Del Rio has a proven history of molding elite pass-rushers. Washington should not get cute with this decision and make the obvious choice.