Mark Tyler’s Four Breakout Candidates for the Redskins in 2020

Each offseason, coaches, media and fans get hyped over certain players who are on the cusp of having their breakout season.

This year, under the guidance of new head coach Ron Rivera, the expectations for the 2020 Redskins may not be through the roof in terms of win/loss percentage, but with such a young team, many expect breakout seasons from some of our less experienced players.

Quarterback is one of those positions that is always under the watchful eye of just about everyone who follows this team, but given the circumstances that surrounded the dumpster fire that was 2019, I really look at 2020 as Dwayne Haskins first season under center. Essentially, this year will be his measuring stick.

Below are four players I feel are poised for a breakout season this year.

Derrius Guice: Entering his third season in the NFL, Guice has played in just five games, totaling 245 rushing yards and two touchdowns. It not his ability, but rather his availability that is in question here. When healthy, he’s a bull in a china shop who simply can’t be brought down by one defender. Last year, before going down with an injury, he was averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

If he can stay healthy, I think Guice is in for a big year in Burgundy and Gold. He certainly has all the necessary tools you look for in a bell-cow back.

Daron Payne: Payne has been a bit of a disappointment since entering the league as the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He had a solid rookie season in which he collected 56 total tackles, six for a loss, five sacks, eight quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. His play dropped significantly in 2019 despite leading the team’s defensive linemen in snaps. His tackles stayed the same, but he had just three of them for a loss, two sacks, four quarterback hits and did not force a fumble.

Payne however does have tremendous talent, and is poised to break out and live up to his draft status. Despite being one of the youngest Redskins (he’ll turn 23 at the end of May), he’s one of strongest members of the team. He has a great motor and his work-ethic is exceptional. Having Allen, Ioannidis, Kerrigan, Sweat and Young playing along the defensive front, and a coordinator like Jack Del Rio leading the unit, should help him unlock that potential and become a dominant force in the league.

Shaun Dion Hamilton: In 2019, rookie Cole Holcomb out-snapped Shaun Dion Hamilton, but don’t let the numbers fool you...Dion Hamilton was the better player. He played in all 16 games, recording 49 total tackles, five for a loss, one forced fumble, a sack, two passes defended, and one interception.

Dion Hamilton’s instincts and awareness are excellent, and he’s a true student of the game. He has the ability to see and understand what opposing offenses are trying to do, along with the speed and athleticism to make the play. He is the Redskins best linebacker in coverage, and that alone should help him see the field more in 2020.

Fabian Moreau: Moreau entered the league as a third round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was projected by many as a late first to early second round pick, but slipped due to a pectoral injury he suffered at his Pro Day while bench pressing. The former UCLA running-back-turned-corner had a blistering 4.35 40 yard dash and 38” vertical at 6’0” 206 pounds.

Moreau had his best season to date in 2019, despite playing in only 12 games due to injury. He recorded 44 total tackles, five passes defended and three interceptions while starting seven games. He should be in line to assume one of the outside starting cornerback spots vacated by the departures of Josh Norman and Quinton Dunbar. It’s obvious he has the skill-set; now he just needs to put it all together - with eye discipline being one of his biggest areas for improvement. Fabian just turned 26, so he is in his prime, and should remain there for the next few years.