2019 NFL Draft: Predicting sack totals for first-round rookie edge rushers

Montez Sweat, Washington Redskins: 26th pick of 2019 NFL Draft

If it weren’t for an unfortunate medical situation, Montez Sweat could very well have been the top pass rusher taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. Not only was he highly productive at the college level, but he made headlines during the draft process after absolutely crushing the combine and breaking the record for the fastest 40-yard dash from a defensive lineman in the event’s history.

Unfortunately for Sweat, his medical checks at the combine apparently showed a heart condition that scared a lot of teams away from taking him early. However, a few months later it was concluded that he may have been misdiagnosed.

Fortunately for Sweat, he was still able to solidify his first-round status after the Redskins traded back into the first round to take him at 26.

Now, Sweat will look to prove the doubters wrong and provide a spark on a talented front for Washington.

Sweat should immediately fill the hole left by Preston Smith’s departure in free agency and his combination of size and athleticism should see him have a rookie season that will leave Redskins fans excited for the future.

Prediction: 7.5

L.J. Collier, Seattle Seahawks: 29th pick of 2019 NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks lost the face of their pass rush this offseason, after trading Frank Clark to the Chiefs just before the draft back in April. They then used the first-round pick that they received from the trade to draft L.J. Collier out of TCU with the 29th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.

While Collier won’t necessarily be Clark’s replacement (team picked up Ziggy Ansah in free agency to fill that hole), he will be an important piece to their new-look unit this season.

He is expected to line up as a five-technique and play a similar role to how Michael Bennett was used during his time in Seattle.

Collier fits what the Seahawks like in a strong side defensive end perfectly and should see plenty of opportunities to create pressure this season but I wouldn’t set my expectations too high just yet.

Prediction: 6