Washington Redskins: Ryan Kerrigan poised for big year

By Andrew Long | Jul 2, 2015

The Washington Redskins and general manager Scot McCloughan have done a very fine job of adding quality players throughout the offseason; they did so during the free agency and draft period. As I’ve mentioned a number of times before in my articles, revamping their underperforming defensive line was at the forefront of their efforts, and I believe that adding Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea to a line that already sports Jason Hatcher will pay immediate dividends.

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Obviously, the pass-rush that the line is able to apply will improve, and so will their run-stopping abilities. But, while it will undoubtedly improve the status of the defensive line, it will also improve the pass rush from linebackers at the second level. Perhaps the player that will benefit most from the offseason additions is fifth-year man Ryan Kerrigan.

Since being drafted to the Redskins in 2011, the former Purdue standout has racked up a total of 38 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. Up until this point in his career, Kerrigan has done a vast majority of his damage while working behind a depleted defensive line, but that figures to change with the improvements that Washington has made to their defensive unit this offseason.

If Washington’s defensive line is capable of providing a strong pass-rush in their own right, then Kerrigan will likely be able to reach the quarterback at a higher, more regular rate. He accumulated a career high in sacks (13.5) and forced fumbles last season (5), and while that’s an incredibly impressive stat line, I believe that he can improve upon those numbers moving forward.

With Kerrigan’s skill level on the rise and his understanding of the game and position increasing, it’s likely that the Washington Redskins have found a reliable defensive captain and playmaker for years to come. This is a responsibility that he’ll have to take and run with, as his previous mentors, London Fletcher and Brian Orakpo, have each left the team within the past two years.

In a recent article ranking the top 35 outside linebackers of 2014, scouting and talent guru Matt Miller of Bleacher Report stated the following, “New general manager Scot McCloughan has a player to build around in Kerrigan. With his ability, production and youth (26), Kerrigan figures to be the nucleus of Washington for a long time.”

Miller is exactly right in his article, as the Redskins should, and likely will, use Kerrigan as the nucleus of their defense for years to come. The 26-year-old linebacker has proven to be a durable and reliable asset for the Washington defense, as he’s never missed a start in his professional career.

On top of his durability and playing ability, Kerrigan also possesses the kind of attitude and work ethic that coaches and general managers want to have on their football team and in their building. The combination of these attributes make the savvy linebacker a vital piece to Washington’s success moving forward.

I foresee Kerrigan enjoying another strong year in 2015, and the sky is truly the limit on his potential from here on out.

Next: Washington Redskins: 5 Key Stats

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