Ryan Anderson

The offseason departure of Preston Smith left Anderson in prime position for a starting job, until Washington used a first-round pick on fellow edge rusher Montez Sweat. Anderson has a decent pedigree of his own as a 2017 second-round pick, but he's managed just two sacks on 357 defensive snaps through two seasons. Sweat has a decent shot to win the Week 1 starting job, and he should eat into Anderson's snaps even if the veteran technically tops the depth chart.

A second-round pick last year, Anderson was limited to 15 tackles and no sacks in 14 games as a rookie. Washington didn't show much faith in his development this offseason, bringing in 29-year-old Pernell McPhee as competition for a part-time role behind starters Preston Smith and Ryan Kerrigan.

A second-round pick out of Alabama, Anderson joins a Washington team ripe with talent in the linebacking corps. During his last season with the Crimson Tide, the 6-2, 253-pound run stopper recorded 61 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss and nine sacks, showcasing his ability to make plays in the backfield. Between Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Trent Murphy and Junior Galette, it's impossible to know how large a role Anderson will receive as a rookie. In all likelihood, he will spend the season conditioning and adjusting to the NFL level of play. However, should his fellow linebackers get bit by the injury bug, the 22-year-old could have his number called.