Washington Redskins: Ryan Anderson needs a breakout year

Ryan Anderson hasn’t produced much in his first two years in the NFL with the Washington Redskins. Next season could be make-or-break for him.

When the Washington Redskins drafted Ryan Anderson, there were some high hopes. He was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, 49th overall. Washington took him expecting the Alabama product (no surprise there) to clean up in the pass rush game. So far in his career however, that hasn’t exactly been the case. He has just two sacks and six quarterback hits in 27 career games.

Now, the numbers aren’t all his fault. Anderson wasn’t exactly getting all the playing time in the world, as he was at a loaded position. Now, though, Preston Smith is gone thanks to a massive contract from the Green Bay Packers. Due to that, if the season started right now, Anderson would likely be the starter opposite Ryan Kerrigan.

Anderson starting next season isn’t a certainty, though. The Redskins could still make a move for a veteran in free agency. They could add someone in the draft as well.

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However, if they go the draft route, it’s highly-unlikely they’d take an outside linebacker in the first few rounds. Washington has too many needs to put that at the top of their list at the moment. Therefore, if this is the route they go, Anderson would likely still have the inside track to the starting role.

With that in mind, it’s time for a breakout year from Anderson. Unless the Redskins make a major splash for someone at the position, the 24-year old will, in the very least, be getting a significant upgrade in playing time.

Obviously, it would be optimal if he could produce in that slot. If he can, Washington would be able to pair him with their deadly (and extremely young) defensive line as something they can build around for years to come — especially with Kerrigan there leading the charge as the superb veteran.

This could be Anderson’s last chance, though. If there isn’t significant improvement in year three, the Redskins could cut ties with him before the final year of his contract. Even if they do keep him, it’s likely he’d be buried on the depth chart at that point.

There’s a major silver lining here though. Anderson improved in every aspect of his game last year, despite appearing in one less game in the season. He had more tackles (18 compared to 14) and sack (two compared to zero) in year two compared to year one. No. 52 also got to the quarterback with more regularity and was improved in both his pass rush moves and defense against the run.

Anderson is a massively talented player who has all the tools to be a monster. If he can improve in year three and take advantage of an increased role – both he and the Redskins could reap the rewards for years to come. However, if improvements aren’t made. There could be an abrupt end to the marriage of Ryan Anderson and the Washington Redskins.