Underrated free agent pick ups.
The Washington Redskins have two of the most slept-on free agent pickups of the year. Both DJ Swearinger and Zach Brown are pro bowl-caliber players. Swearinger brings a swagger to the team that is much needed. Brown brings solid linebacker play that has been missed since the days of London Fletcher. Both help sure up the middle of a Redskins defense that was last year's achilles heel. In their own ways they're helping change the culture of a unit that was in need of a shake up. (Props must also go to defensive coordinator Greg Manusky)
D.J Swearinger effect:
(Via @WashingtonRedskins twitter)
Voted team Captian, just months after joining the team, Swearinger has been more than just a vocal leader for the Redskins. He's physical style of play sets the tone. Example, check The hit he layed on Marshawn Lynch on Sunday night football. The Redskins have struggled for years to find a guy like D.J to play saftey. Really since the passing of Sean Taylor the Skins have been short a true tone setter at safety. All the more reason for Swearinger to honor Sean Taylor by wearing his rookie number, 36. Swearinger has stated in the past that he's looked up to Taylor and tries to emulate that style of play. It's easier to emulate when you play with a chip on your shoulder. Now on his 4th team in 5 NFL seasons Swearinger has felt looked over by the rest of the league. He had 66tackles 3INTs and 2sacks last season with the Arziona Cardnilas in 12 starts. Still the Cardnilas let him walk. In free agency, D.J found a new team with an old friend. Josh Norman, his former highschool teammate. In Washington he has found a home where he's not just another guy but a teammate, friend and a leader.
Zach Brown effect:
(Via @zachbrown_55)
Zach Brown might be the most slept on inside linebacker in pro football. Who is Zach Brown you ask? Drafted 52nd overall in the 2012 NFL draft to the Tennessee Titans, out of North Carolina, Zach Brown is the most slept on free agent pick up this season. In his first 3 games as a Redskins he leads the team with tackles. In comparison Brown has twice as many than the next player behind him on the team. Like Swearinger, Brown plays with a chip on his shoulder. Brown felt disrespected by the Bills after they let him go, despite the fact he had the second most tackles in the league in 2016. Signing a one year deal, worth about four and a half million in the off-season with Washington Zach looks to put the league on notice.
(Via Ian Rapoport @RapSheet on twitter)
His point is being made as he not only leads the team in tackles but is once again is second in the NFL in tackles(32). Production should be Browns middle name. He flys around the field making play after play. Evidence, he has 10 or more tackles in each game so far. You can expect to here his name called 10 or more times Monday night as well.
