Riggo's Rag
FanSided

5 Washington Redskins position battles to watch during 2017 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins running back Robert Kelley (32) carries the ball as Arizona Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger (36) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins running back Robert Kelley (32) carries the ball as Arizona Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger (36) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins guard Shawn Lauvao (77) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins guard Shawn Lauvao (77) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Left Guard: Shawn Lauvao vs. Arie Kouandjio vs. Chase Roullier

The Redskins had one of the strongest offensive lines in the NFL during the 2017 season. Led by perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, the team got some development from their younger players on the right side of the line.

Live Feed

Brian Orakpo says Texas Longhorns fans should lower expectations
Brian Orakpo says Texas Longhorns fans should lower expectations /

FanSided

  • Top 10 NFL greats in the wrong uniform FanSided
  • Madden 23: Washington Football Team reveals new name 'Washington Commanders' App Trigger
  • WFT tries to explain its decision to use Sean Taylor as a distraction amid scandal  FanSided
  • Madden 22: Our 2021 NFL season sim results in some wild predictions App Trigger
  • Madden 22: Best teams to rebuild in Franchise mode App Trigger

    • Guard Brandon Scherff was fantastic as he lived up to his status as the No. 5 overall pick in 2015, making his first Pro Bowl and faring well in all facets of the game. Meanwhile, right tackle Morgan Moses continued to develop into one of the better players at his position, and earned a lucrative extension as a result.

    Despite this solid play, the Redskins still have one weakness on the front. That is at left guard. Starter Shawn Lauvao was pedestrian at best last year, and his knack for being injured could cost him his job. Lauvao would be best served as a solid backup, but in order to play him there, the Redskins will need to see some potential in their younger players to make a move.

    The two main competitors for the guard spot are Arie Kouandjio and Chase Roullier. Kouandjio is entering his third season with the Redskins and despite limited playing time, he has upside as a potentially solid starter. If he can prove that he is ready to take over for Lauvao, he may have a shot to do so, especially given Lauvao’s cap number.

    Meanwhile, Roullier is a versatile rookie who can play both center and guard. There is a chance that he could outplay either Kouandjio or Lauvao. However, there is also a chance he could be a solid fit at center, which would allow Spencer Long to move back to left guard. It will be interesting to see what happens at this position, as upgrading Lauvao could pay major dividends for the offense.

    Home/Commanders News