Skip to main content
Advertising

News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

ESPN Ranks Redskins' Rookie Class As Most Productive In The NFL

draft_grades_brush-centerpiece

From the post-draft hype to the on-field production to the host of accolades, it's been a special season for the Washington Redskins' rookie class.

So special, in fact, that the group was named as the NFL's most productive in 2019, according to ESPN.

Using Pro Football Focus' wins above replacement metric (PFF WAR), ESPN ranked every team on the value of its draft class given where each player was selected. After crunching the numbers, the Redskins came out on top.

A significant reason for Washington's ranking was due to the "average quarterback play" of Dwayne Haskins and the "outstanding performance" from wide receiver Terry McLaurin."

"Play like that from two of the most valuable positions in the NFL will go a long way toward making a top draft class," the story reads.

Haskins, the 15th overall selection, struggled upon becoming the full-time starter in Week 9. But by year's end, he was performing like the franchise quarterback many had hoped he would become. Over his final three games, he threw five touchdowns and just one interception.

McLaurin's potential was on full display from the season opener in Philadelphia to the conclusion of one of the best rookie seasons by a wide receiver in Redskins history. In just 14 games, the third-round selection (76th overall) ranked second behind Gary Clark with 919 receiving yards, second behind Charlie Taylor with seven touchdowns and tied for third with 58 receptions. Among NFL rookies this season, McLaurin was tied for second in receptions, second in yards and tied for third in touchdowns.

Edge rusher Montez Sweat rebounded from a quiet start and showcased why the Redskins traded back into the first round to draft him 26th overall. He recorded 5.5 sacks during the final eight games to bring his season total to seven, which ranked fifth among all rookies. He also totaled 50 tackles (31 solo) and forced two fumbles.

Cole Holcomb, who made the NFL's All-Rookie team along with McLaurin and Sweat, eclipsed 100 tackles in his first NFL season at middle linebacker. The fifth-round selection (173rd overall) out of North Carolina led all rookies in solo tackles and finished second in both forced fumbles and total tackles. McLaurin, Sweat and Holcomb also made NFL.com's list of the top 25 rookies of 2019.

Elsewhere, fourth-round guard Wes Martin, sixth-round wide receiver Kelvin Harmon and seventh-round corner Jimmy Moreland each earned considerable playing time and performed well in spurts. Fifth-round center Ross Pierschbacher saw limited action, while fourth-round running back Bryce Love and seventh-round edge rusher Jordan Brailford did not play in 2019 due to injuries.

Advertising