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NFL Pro Bowl: First-Timer Projections For All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Outside Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins recovers a fumble in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Outside Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins recovers a fumble in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins continue to take steps towards getting their defense up to the same level as their offense. For the second-straight year, they made a 1st round addition to their defensive line in Da’Ron Payne. Together with Jonathan Allen, they figure to demand lots of attention from opposing offensive line. One man who stands to benefit the most from this is their emerging young outside linebacker Preston Smith.

Next: Top 5 Most Overrated NFL Quarterbacks Going Into 2018

Last season was the first glimpse people had that he wasn’t just a one-trick pony. Smith already showed that he could rush the passer as a rookie, but 2017 proved he was capable of more. He finished with eight sacks but also three passes defended and two interceptions. It’s almost like he graduated to the next level. People talk about the arrivals of Ryan Anderson and Pernell McPhee but it’s going to be Smith who seizes the spotlight.

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