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NFL Network analyst says Chase Young will be Washington’s MVP in 2021

Bryan Manning
·2 min read

When the Washington Football Team selected Ohio State defensive end Chase Young No. 2 overall in the 2020 NFL draft, there were massive expectations almost immediately for the rookie pass-rusher.

For the most part, Young met — and crushed — those expectations in a rookie season where he played in 15 games, recorded 44 tackles, including 10 for loss, 7.5 sacks, forced four fumbles and scored one touchdown. He was named the NFL defensive rookie of the year.

Many believe Young will have an even better season in year two, including Dan Hanzus of the NFL Network, who predicted Young would be Washington’s MVP in 2021.

Chase Young entered the league as the most hyped defensive prospect since Jadeveon Clowney, and the No. 2 overall pick of the 2020 draft pretty much lived up to expectations in Year 1. A lingering groin injury acted as a bump in the road, but Young won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with impact play that hints at a massive breakout in his second season. Given his outrageous skill set, it’s not a stretch to project Young doubling the 7.5 sacks he delivered as a rookie with a couple more for good measure. Washington’s front seven is loaded with difference-makers, but Young is a one-of-one type of talent. Consider the charismatic young star one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year.

Young being Washington’s MVP in 2021 is certainly plausible. While Washington has upgraded its offensive talent, Young is poised for a huge year in 2021.

Young didn’t post eye-popping sack numbers as a rookie. He would often win on pure athleticism alone. Late in the year, he was beginning to win with technique, too. When he combines athleticism with multiple pass-rush moves, his sack numbers will significantly go up.

The second-year pass-rusher has everything. He is a tremendous athlete with a strong work ethic, is a respected leader and coachable. If he remains healthy, he could win multiple NFL defensive player of the year awards — perhaps as soon as 2021.