Chase Young wins 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year award

Chase Young has been named the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors program Saturday evening. The Washington Football Team took on a new identity this season, and with it came a new defensive weapon that will wreak havoc on opposing offenses for seasons to come.

Washington earned the second overall pick for the 2020 NFL Draft after finishing with a 3-13 record. They used that pick on the defensive end from Ohio State, and Chase Young immediately contributed to an NFC East-leading 7-9 record. Washington’s defense allowed the fourth-fewest points this season (329), barely falling behind the Rams, Ravens, and Steelers.

Chase Young was the clear leader in sacks among all rookie defenders, ending with 7.5 on the season. He also recorded 44 tackles (10 for a loss), four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. The rookie’s pass-rushing abilities were the stuff of nightmares for opposing quarterbacks, which led to the allowance of the fewest passing yards among any defense this season (3,393).

The Bosa brothers are the last two defensive ends to take home the DROY title, but now Young holds the crown. Although Washington ultimately fell short to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round, this defense, spearheaded by Chase Young, will be a feared entity in the NFC East next season and beyond.