Trent Williams looks to lead young, improving Redskins offensive line
By Mike Rowan
Projecting the rest of the Redskins line
Williams has been the leader for the Redskins line over the course of the past few seasons. However, some pressure may come off him as some younger studs develop.
It starts at right tackle, where Morgan Moses inked a five year extension with the team this offseason. In his time with the Redskins, Moses has proven himself to be one of the leagues premier right tackles due to his strength, which he puts to use both in the run and pass game. Barring an injury, Moses has the bookend opposite Williams locked down.
At right guard, Brandon Scherff continued to improve for the Redskins in 2016. His already strong run blocking grew more formidable, while his pass blocking, which was lackluster at times during his rookie campaign, became increasingly reliable. Although he was a tackle in college and was initially thought to be the Redskins’ right tackle of the future, Scherff has found a home at right guard. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2016 but missed due to injury. He should face no challengers for his starting spot.
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The center position has long been an issue in Washington due to injury, lack of ideal size, and general incompetence. Last year, Spencer Long emerged as a potential long term answer in 2016. The converted guard played the entire season as the man in the middle despite not changing positions until shortly before the preseason. A full offseason at his new position, along with the help of Coach Callahan and former ‘Skin Kory Lichtensteiger, should be incredibly beneficial to Long.
The one spot that appears most open for competition is left guard. Shawn Lauvao, the starter for the last two seasons, has struggled mightily both with injuries and in pass protection. Although he is an athletic strong run blocker, Lauvao is frequently overpowered by the bull rushes of defensive linemen. Lauvao could be a cap casualty in August if any reserves prove themselves to be effective options as starters.
In terms of reserves, the Redskins have one of the deepest groups of reserve linemen in the NFL. Tackle Ty Nsekhe proved he could be effective regardless of his role; he has spent time at left tackle, right tackle, and as a blocking tight end in his time with the Redskins. It was surprising Nsekhe did not receive larger offers in free agency, as many seemingly inferior players were given a lot of money.
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At the end of the day, the team will likely keep four reserves on their final roster. Arie Kouandjio, Isaiah Williams and Chase Roullier will battle for reserve interior spots, while John Kling and Vinston Painter will fight for for reserve tackle spots alongside Nsekhe.