Mark Tyler’s 10 Core Redskins to Build Around

We often talk about, if you were building a franchise today, who would you take and why. This is a great exercise to think about with our Redskins for a few reasons. One, we have a lot of youth - which as we all know is important for any build or rebuild. And second, there are what many would consider some cornerstones at key positions for any football team, that are already in place here in DC.

So, without further ado, here is my list of the top 10 Redskins to build around for the future.

Dwayne Haskins Jr. (23) - Finding and developing a franchise quarterback is the goal for every organization. Despite the Redskins plucking Haskins from the collegiate ranks after just one full year as a starter, and having him endure a rookie season marred by the release of two head coaches, an offensive coordinator and a pseudo general manager/team president, Haskins is looking like a Phoenix ready to rise from the ashes and lead this team to the next level. New head coach Ron Rivera has entered the picture as “the man” in DC, and I can’t think of a better person to help lead Haskins’ maturation process. Dwayne has already dedicated himself to getting into great physical shape this offseason, and this should only help maximize the incredible skill-set he already possesses.

Terry McLaurin (24) - The Ohio State receiver burst onto the scene as a rookie, totaling 58 receptions, 919 yards and seven touchdowns over 14 games. It was one of the most successful rookie seasons by a wide receiver in team history, and some services have ranked his performance up there with Odell Beckham Jr’s stellar rookie season. The sky is the limit for F1, and he should only get better in this new offense under Scott Turner.

Brandon Scherff (28) - The Redskins line has been decimated with injury over the last two seasons, and Scherff was no exception, as the injury bug bit him as well. However, when healthy, he is one of the top guards in the NFL, and he’s still in his prime. A long-term contract is what both sides seem to desire, so the faster that gets done, the quicker the team can move on to extensions for other deserving players.

Chase Roullier (27) - Roullier flies a bit under the radar of most - but not under mine. Not only is Chase one of the Redskins best overall players, but in my opinion, he’s one of the better centers in the league. He’s and elite puller, who doesn’t commit penalties and allows very few pressures. Fans should realize that the center position has not been an easy one to fill in the past. Now that we finally seem to have our guy, it’s time to lock him up with an extension for the foreseeable future.

Chase Young (21) - Granted the rookie has yet to play a single NFL game, but his talent speaks for itself. He was hands-down the best overall player in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Redskins were fortunate to acquire his services. He’s the type of player who can make everyone around him better, and at just 21 years old, the sky is the limit.

Montez Sweat (24) - The offseason hype has been centered around Chase Young, but make no mistake about it - Montez Sweat has the skill-set to dominate, himself. Paring him with Young on the opposite side will give offensive coordinators nightmares for years to come. Sweat’s rookie season was a very pleasant surprise (50 tackles, 8 TFL, 7 sacks, 13 QB hits, 2 FF 2 PD), and he got stronger as the season progressed. He is one of my breakout candidates for 2020.

Jonathan Allen (25) - Allen is one of the Redskins leaders both on and off the field. He’s a guy young players can model themselves after, and go to for advice. After a rookie season that was cut short due to a foot injury, he bounced back nicely, recording back-to-back 60+ tackle seasons, and averaging seven sacks per year. I expect him to take his game to the next level in Jack Del Rio’s attacking 4-3.

Da’Ron Payne (23) - It’s hard to believe Payne is just 23 years old. The 6’3” 320 pound versatile defensive lineman was seen on video pushing trucks and running sprints this offseason. Despite what many saw as a down year in 2019, Payne still led the defensive linemen group in percentage of snaps played, and like Allen, is poised for a breakout season in the Skins new defense.

Matt Ioannidis (26) - Ioannidis has been the definition of an over-achiever since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Temple. Since then, he’s quietly become the Redskins best defensive lineman. He’s coming off his best season as a pro, in which he posted 64 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, and 16 QB hits. It didn’t take long for him to outplay his rookie deal, and he spun that into a new three year extension last April. The Redskins better watch out, or he just may outplay this contract as well.

Landon Collins(26) - Just like I mentioned age with Payne, it’s also hard to believe that Landon Collins is just 26 years old. He’s the only one on this list that wasn’t drafted by the Redskins. After spending his first four years in New York, Collins signed a mega-deal with the Redskins that will keep him in Burgundy and Gold through the 2024 season. He is a versatile defender who can play deep, in the box, in coverage or as a blitzer. Del Rio should have fun deploying him in various looks this fall.

Honorable Mention:

Kendall Fuller(25) - Fuller is a versatile defensive back who can play any position in the secondary. He was best as a nickle corner (which has essentially become a starting spot in today’s NFL), but he can and will play wherever coaches need him.

Derrius Guice (23) - If it weren’t for injuries, Guice would probably have made this list. We’ve seen glimpses of what he can do when healthy, and that is a thing of beauty. If the 23 year old can maintain his healthy this season, big things are in store.

Fabian Moreau (26) - Moreau is at a pivotal point in his career. The former 2017 third round pick is in the last year of his rookie deal, and will be looking to lock down one of the outside corner spots vacated by the departures of Josh Norman and Quinton Dunbar this offseason. If he plays well in 2020, he could parlay that into a nice contract extension.