Ryan Kerrigan's 5 Keys to Success

The Washington Redskins' 16th overall draft pick will be facing a lot of scrutiny in his rookie season, as most first round picks often do these days. Kerrigan will need to convert from defensive end to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and his new coaching staff will also expect him to be a solid contributor, and hopefully, a difference maker at the next level.

Personally, I can't wait to see how this kid helps our defense, but it seems pretty clear that Kerrigan's got a full plate. Fortunately, he has some key factors going his way, and if he can capitalize on them, good things should happen for him and for the team.

The Defensive Scheme

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Head coach Mike Shanahan of the Washington Redskins watches the action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Everyone talks about the dichotomy of drafting when April rolls around—either drafting the best available talent on the board or drafting for need. These approaches make for great media fodder and they catapult the Todd McShays and Mel Kipers of the world into stardom.

But in truth, these draft scouts are only evaluating each player in a vacuum. The team scouts have to conduct all of this while also assessing how the players will work within their offensive and defensive schemes.

Before Kerrigan was even drafted by the Redskins, he felt like the Redskins would be a good place for him, and part of that was based on the role Shanahan told him he would play. When Kerrigan visited Washington, Shanahan told him that if the Skins drafted him, he'd be plugged in on the outside linebacker position opposite Orakpo, who plays the weak (right) side. Kerrigan saw that as an ideal fit because his pass rush is actually better from the left side. That's called a win-win. I'd ask any hardcore fans to go back and watch some film on Kerrigan from both sides. I did, and it does look like his pass rush from the left is indeed better.

The Partner and Mentor: Brian Orakpo

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Washington Redskins is introduced before the game against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Larry F

If I'm Jim Haslett, I'd tell Ryan Kerrigan to shadow Brian Orakpo as much as possible. If Brian likes to listen to Irish folk music while warming up, Kerrigan needs to make some downloads and practice some jig steps. If Brian thinks that playing Call of Duty an hour a day helps his hand-eye coordination, Kerrigan should try to master the game one-handed. Whatever it takes.

Orakpo has been one of the few young bright spots for the Redskins since his arrival in 2009. Who better to mentor Kerrigan than the best playmaker on your team? Oh, and Orakpo has also already made the conversion from defensive end to linebacker as well, so that will certainly help Kerrigan's learning curve during the same transition.

The Stuff Between the Ears (Intangibles)

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Ryan Kerrigan, #16 overall pick by the Washington Redskins, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

This rookie has a natural leadership mentality. He loves the game of football, and he doesn't ever stop looking for ways to get better. Those are the qualities any coach would love to have when drafting new players, especially a disciplinarian like Mike Shanahan. The current overachiever for this defense has been London Fletcher, a consummate leader and professional, but now with Kerrigan the future leadership of this team is looking much brighter. The added benefit of having such leaders is that sometimes they push reserve players to another level as well.

The Never-Ending Motor

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MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 29: Quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the South Team is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #91 and Joe Lefeged #26 of the North Team during the second quarter of the Under Armour Senior Bowl January 29, 2011 at Ladd Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala

Whenever I watch Kerrigan's game film, for some reason the Rocky Balboa soundtrack starts playing in my head. Probably it's because Kerrigan plays with a style exuding hard work and determination. Many scouts took shots at him during the draft, saying he lacks the elite burst and agility to be an impact in the NFL.

Well, I think his relentlessness makes up for that. He puts forth the same effort from the first play of the game to the final game-ending whistle. Kerrigan might not beat an offensive tackle to the corner every snap, but he'll be a consistent problem for his blockers.

In many ways he could end up being another Chris Long, who is probably the most underrated defensive end in the league right now. Long doesn't have eye-gouging statistics in terms of sacks, tackles for loss or forced fumbles. However, his production has been better each year, and in 2010 he had more quarterback pressures than any other defensive player.

What's so important about quarterback pressures? Sacks are a beautiful thing, but applying pressure often can be more effective in some ways than a sack, because quarterbacks are never allowed to establish a rhythm and get comfortable. 

Stripping the Ball

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts to tackle Brandon Saine #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Kerrigan became the all-time Big Ten Conference leader in forced fumbles (14 total). His defensive coordinator at Purdue always stressed going for the ball whenever possible to force turnovers, and Kerrigan's long arms are ideal for that technique. 

Funny that this sounds like the very same thing Jim Haslett was trying to impart on the Redskins defense last year. I guess Kerrigan is ahead of the curve on that front.