5 things to know about Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft
Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is one of the most highly coveted defensive players in the draft, and that’s not just because his 2019 college season was one massive highlight reel.
It’s because everyone who has witnessed Young in action has been insanely impressed.
He was the nation’s leader in quarterback sacks in 2019 with 16.5 (in 12 games). Young ranks second in Ohio State program history with 30.5 sacks.
Young has a plethora of awards under his belt: He’s a Bednarik Award Winner, Nagurski Trophy Winner, B1G Defensive Player of the Year, Ted Hendricks Award Winner, and a Heisman Trophy Finalist.
Young has said that he feels he’s the best player in the draft.
“I feel like what I put on film this year, a lot of people haven’t seen that in a while; since Ndamukong Suh, just some of the greats from the past,” he said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I feel like the way I prepare for the game, nobody prepares like me. I feel like I watch the most film in the draft, I feel like I’m the hardest worker in the draft.”
Here are five things to know about Young, who was selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Redskins on Thursday night:
1. Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins has already tweeted at him. In January after Young declared for the draft with posts on Twitter and Instagram, Haskins, a former Buckeye, quote tweeted “See you soon” with Young’s declaration. Prior to Young’s announcement, Haskins was questioned about his choice with the Redskins’ No. 2 pick by reporters. “Two words: Chase Young. That’s all you got to say,” Haskins responded.
2. He used to drive other high school coaches absolutely bonkers. But in the best way possible. Former teammates and coaches of Young at DeMatha Catholic High School recalled his work ethic and ability to wreck a play with NBC Sports Washington. “Oh, man, Chase used to wreck practice, like every day,” said DeMatha classmate and running back Anthony McFarland. “When he was at D-end, especially when he first got there, our offense couldn’t get the ball off. We just couldn’t get the ball off.”
3. He understands that there’s life beyond football and wants to be an FBI agent. In 2016 when he was interviewed by SB Nation after committing to Ohio State, Young spoke about the importance of also focusing on life after football and expressed interest in becoming an FBI agent when all is said and done in the football world.
4. He had impressed almost everyone he’s come across — from coaches, to teammates, to NFL coordinators, so many different talents are deeming him “the draft’s most dominate defender.”
5. He was the absolute nucleolus of Ohio State’s defense, according to Fox Sports. During his tenure at the school, “the Buckeyes were No. 1 in total defense (259.7 yards per game), No. 2 in passing yardage (156.0 yards per game), red zone scores (66 percent) and pass efficiency (97.50). They also ranked No. 4 in scoring (13.7 points per game).”
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 7:33 PM with the headline "5 things to know about Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft."