Reflecting on the 2020 NFL Draft and Chase Young's Progress

In the 2020 NFL draft, Chase Young was selected second overall. Coming out of the Ohio State University, he was selected behind only Joe Burrow, who had a stellar career at LSU. With players from this draft having played seven seasons, it's an opportunity to reflect on how their careers have panned out.

While Burrow has at times been beat up behind a poor offensive line, he has a single Super Bowl appearance just like Chase. While Burrow fell to the Los Angeles Rams after a clinching sack by Aaron Donald. Young recorded a sack on Patrick Mahomes in a game the then-49er lost in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Young was the only edge rusher taken in the top ten that year, although his Ohio State teammate Jeff Okudah was taken with the pick after Chase. Elsewhere in the top ten, Tua Tagovailoa went fifth, now looking for a fresh start in Atlanta. He was followed by Justin Herbert, who received an MVP vote last year but hasn't found postseason success yet.

All-world receivers CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson were picked 17th and 22nd, respectively.

In a draft class loaded with these standouts, Young had a breakout season last year. Even sitting out the first five games with a calf injury, he came back to compile 10 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. He took one of these to the house and was also recognized as the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December. It'll be year two for Chase under the offensive-minded head coach Kellen Moore. Moore brought in Brandon Staley, who was maligned as the Chargers' head coach but achieved good results anchoring the Saints' defense last year. This continuity could be beneficial to Young who has changed team several times as opposed to Burrow who has always been a Bengal so far.

While the offense has a lot to be excited for with Tyler Shough set to break out himself, the edge rusher is such an invaluable position in the NFL now and having a stud coming off his first double digit sack campaign leaves a lot to be excited about. While another Super Bowl appearance for Chase is a premature goal, the Saints can look to make some noise in the NFC South. The division is certainly up for grabs, and it will be interesting to see how all the Saints pieces fit.