Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young has been named the 2021 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. The star pass rusher was a huge favorite to win the award all throughout the season. Young was the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and was expected to be a perennial All-Pro. Tonight’s victory should come as no surprise.
Following Young, Carolina’s Jeremy Chinn placed second in AP votes. Patrick Queen of Baltimore finished in third place and Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr finished in fourth.
Young had a dominant first season in Washington, notching 7.5 sacks and 44 tackles in 15 regular seasons games. Additionally, the defensive end forced four fumbles, recovering three and returning one for a touchdown. He was a key piece on Washington’s young and improving defense that was able to make the playoffs following a 7-9 season.
On the offensive side, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was given Rookie of the Year honors. It was an all-around great season for the 2020 rookie class. In addition to Young and Herbert, players such as Justin Jefferson, James Robinson, and Jonathan Taylor each had stellar seasons.
Despite some great young talent in the NFL, Chase Young looks to become the best emerging player in the league. Young becomes the fourth Ohio State Buckeye to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Two key players before him were edge rushers Joey and Nick Bosa. Young has a chance to be the best out of the three so long as he stays healthy.
The Washington Football Team has one of the best defenses in the league, headlined by Young. Other young players, including Montez Sweat and Kamren Curl, should be key assets to a talented and well-coached Washington squad.
