The Underrated Players Series:

Washington Football Team Defensive Lineman

Tim Settle Jr.

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

12/3/2020

         The Washington Football team boasts 5 1st round picks across their defensive line. That said, with all this talent it is easy to miss one of the most productive players of this group. This player being Defensive Tackle Tim Settle Jr. who was a 2018 5th round pick that has clearly outperformed his draft status. Settle due to his production in a less than prominent role has become a quiet staple along Washington’s defensive front. This piece will look to highlight Settle’s statistics and how impressive they are based off his playing time. While discussing what potential he still has that can be realized with further opportunity.

            To begin with Settle’s statistical performance, it is interesting to see how he has produced in such a limited role. In 11 games so far this year Settle has accumulated 16 total tackles, 6 QB hits, and 5 sacks. These numbers are impressive due to the fact he plays on average just under 31% of Washington’s defensive snaps. Meaning in a rotational role he is one of D.C.’s defensive lineman. His 5 sacks give him more than fellow teammates Chase Young, Johnathan Allen, and Daron Payne. In addition only Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan have more than him, each by only half a sack. Tim Settle as the numbers show clearly makes good on the playing time afforded him. As he has managed to be arguably their best interior pass rusher this year. A player that if this type of production continues will demand more playing time given to him.

            As for what the outlook holds for Settle as a player the prospects look extremely bright. At 6’3” 308 lbs. and just 23 years old he is a big, agile, interior force for Washington. Tim Settle has gone from 20 tackles and 2 sacks his first two seasons combined, to second on the team in sacks so far in his now third season. He has made many strides growing from a player who relied solely on his physical gifts to make him effective. Settle has now added more hand usage to his rushing game. While taking more advantage of his nimbleness to make multiple moves in order to create penetration. Settle still can add more variety to his pass rush moves, though this will come with more playing time. He also can work on demanding and handling double teams in run defense better as well. If he does this he will become a force as a pass rusher, while being a stout run stuffer for Washington’s defense.

            Tim Settle has grown exponentially into an impact player along Washington’s highly touted defensive front. A young lineman that is having his coming out party and doing it under the radar. As Settle continues to produce he should earn more playing time along Washington’s front. Settle is yet another example of what happens when you effectively draft and develop a player. As Washington seems to not only have gotten a steal of an impact defender in the late rounds. They also get a lot of credit for bringing him along correctly and allowing him to grow and flourish. It will be intriguing to see what his numbers end up being by seasons end. Going forward, Washington may have another pillar to build a defensive unit that will dominate the NFL for years.