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Trent Williams looks to lead young, improving Redskins offensive line

By Mike Rowan

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trent Williams is one of the better left tackles in the NFL, and he should be a big time leader for the Washington Redskins.

When he was drafted by the Redskins in 2010,  offensive tackle Trent Williams said he was asked by then-coach Mike Shanahan if he was committed to being great. Williams said he assured Shanahan that he was, and eight years later, Williams has undoubtedly lived up to this commitment to excellence. Williams is now a five time Pro Bowler, former second team All-Pro, and most recently, first team All-Pro for his performance in 2016.

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Despite the recent accolades, Williams’ skills often have not been properly recognized by the national media, who typically include only Cleveland’s Joe Thomas and Tyron Smith of the Cowboys in the conversation of the league’s best left tackle. This is finally beginning to change. In NFL Network’s annual Top 100 Players list, Williams was rated as the 47th best player in the NFL. Although this was two spots worse than he ranked the previous year, Williams was still one of only four offensive tackles to be rated among the top 100, falling behind only Thomas and Smith at his position.

Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson had Williams as the 17th best player in the entire NFL for this past season. In their thoughts on Williams, PFF cited that he allowed the second fewest pressures among NFL left tackles. Additionally, Williams’ dominant play in the run game is a major reason PFF ranked him so highly.

Williams is the unquestioned leader of the Redskins offensive line, as well as a captain of the team as a whole. He has faced criticism for some of his actions off the field, which in some cases have led to suspensions. Despite this, Williams remains utterly dominant on the field, using his combination of massive size and elite athleticism to overpower the opponent. Williams looks to continue his dominance in 2017 and help push the current Redskins blockers closer to the level of the legendary “Hogs” O-line of 80’s and 90’s.

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