MIAMI -- Former Redskins defensive back DeAngelo Hall does not know Ron Rivera personally. He never played for Jack Del Rio.
But during his 14-year NFL career, which included three Pro Bowls, he watched the types of teams Rivera and Del Rio put out on the field. Since his career ended in 2017, he's followed them closely as an analyst for NBC Sports Washington and NFL Network.
Both men are now with the Redskins, with Rivera being named as the 30th head coach in franchise history and Del Rio serving as his defensive coordinator.
As someone who played a decade in the burgundy and gold, he's eager to see what the duo can accomplish in Washington.
"Love it, love it, 100% love it," Hall said about Rivera's hiring from Radio Row at Super Bowl LIV in Miami. "Everybody I've talked to who has been in Carolina has nothing but great things to say about Ron. He is the right guy for sure."
Hall is most excited to see what Rivera and Del Rio will be able to do with the Redskins' defense. They're both well-respected defensive minds with more than 20 years of NFL coaching experience. Seemingly wherever they've gone, their units have excelled.
The Redskins underachieved on that side of the ball last season, finishing 27th in the NFL in total defense and second-to-last in rushing defense. But it's also a group with a wealth of young talent, especially in the trenches. That front could become even stronger should Washington select Chase Young with the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Hall compared the Redskins' situation to that of the San Francisco 49ers, who will be playing in Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The 49ers have selected defensive linemen in the first round of four of the past five NFL Drafts, and now they're perhaps the best unit in the NFL.
The Redskins, meanwhile, have used a first-round pick on that position each of the past three years in Jonathan Allen (2017), Daron Payne (2018) and Montez Sweat (2019). Drafting Young would add another unique talent into the mix.
"When you think about what could possibly be with this front -- Chase Young, Ryan Kerrigan, [Matt] Ioannidis, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Ryan Anderson if you leave him at rush end or move him to a linebacker spot in a 4-3," Hall told Voice of the Redskins Larry Michael. "Oh my god, that is how you win football games."
As good as the defense could be next season -- Hall believes it could be "championship caliber" -- he said the team's success will come down to how quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. develops in his third offensive scheme in as many seasons -- one at Ohio State and two with the Redskins.
He played sporadically during the first half of his rookie campaign and endured some growing pains once taking over as the full-time starter in Week 9.
However, his play improved greatly in his final four starts. The Redskins are hoping to see more of that in Year 2.
"It's going to be interesting seeing Dwayne Haskins going into an offseason where he knows he's the guy," Hall said. "How does he approach those meetings? How does he practice? Because every practice probably necessarily wasn't his best practice, and so he's learning to be a pro along the way.
"So, it's going to be the development of this quarterback and this offense that's really going to carry this team."
