Tyler Catalina and Kyle Kalis candidates for Redskins fourth guard spot

For the time being, Shawn Lauvao is listed as the starting left guard. However, due to his inconsistent play in previous years, the Redskins would do well to have a contingency plan or two.

Arie Kouandjio is the first option behind Lauvao. But even he is no sure thing. Now in his third year, he’s shown nothing consistent in limited action. Therefore, the Redskins may hold a fourth guard, something they neglected to do for much of last year after moving Spencer Long to center.

Two undrafted free agents have the inside track on the job: Michigan’s Kyle Kalis and Georgia’s Tyler Catalina. Both players possess exceptional size, each standing taller than 6-foot-5 and amassing to over 300 pounds.

Kalis, in particular, is a very intriguing player. A five-star recruit out of high school, Kalis never quite lived up to the hype. While he didn’t meet expectations, however, he was a solid starter for four years on the Wolverines’ offensive line. He garnered second-team All-American honors as a senior, solidifying himself as an exciting offensive line prospect.

Nevertheless, he went undrafted in 2017, and the Redskins swiped him up in the post-draft frenzy. Along with Kalis, the team also nabbed Tyler Catalina, a 24-year old ex-tackle who showed lots of promise at the college level as a run blocker. Kalis is the more well-rounded roster hopeful, but both show promise.

Next: NFL Positional Groups 2017: Ranking the Redskins RBs

The Redskins have had a recent affinity for keeping two or three undrafted free agents around each year. This year, it remains to be seen which players will separate from the rest of the pack. Due to the uncertainty around the left guard position, they may want to keep an extra interior lineman for insurance. Could Kalis or Catalina make the grade? We’ll see as the offseason drones on.