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NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Top 2019 candidate in each division

By Michael Johnson

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

NFC East: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Washington Redskins

This is the draft of the defensive lineman, and the hype is well deserved. Montez Sweat burst onto the mainstream media after his blazing 4.41-second time in the 40-yard dash. In fact, former NFL defensive end Stephen White’s scouting report touted Sweat as a nearly perfect prospect.

Sweat isn’t just speed, but he’s powerful. While his elite athletic traits don’t always show up on film, he’s displayed power in spades. He’s long with a great punch and dominates his man at the point of attack often. Sweat had shown the ability to beat his in more than way. Moreover, he’s in a system that will maximize his athleticism and strength. Greg Manusky, the Redskins defensive coordinator, knows how to coach a guy like Sweat.

During his tenure with the Colts, he coached Robert Mathis. In 2012, Mathis led the league with a career-high 19 sacks. While with the Redskins, he’s helped Ryan Kerrigan develop into an elite pass rusher.

Now, he’ll get his hands of Sweat who doesn’t have to worry about double teams. Jonathan Allen is the five-technique and Kerrigan is on the other side. Sweat doesn’t have any pressure, but he’ll surely put some onto opposing quarterbacks. Of course, that’ll help the rookie sack his way into the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.

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