Redskins should consider signing Nick Mangold after Spencer Long’s injury
Mangold could fix a weak link on the Redskins front
Another possibility if the Redskins signed Mangold would be to make him the every day starting center. Doing this would allow the Redskins to move Long over to the guard position, where he started his career, and that would push Lauvao into a backup role. That could reap major benefits for the Redskins.
In this lineup, there really wouldn’t be a definitive weak link on the line. Long would fit in very well at left guard, where his solid play will help keep the interior clean. At the same time, he would be able to assist Mangold with calls at the line and protection switches. A move from the center position wouldn’t be too challenging for Long. In fact, there’s a chance he could even be more comfortable at guard.
If Mangold and Long were starting, that would allow Lauvao to function as the primary backup at guard. In that role, Lauvao wouldn’t have to see the field as much and his spotty pass protection would be much less of a problem. However, Lauvao would be a major upgrade over Kouandjio as the team’s top backup. He has experience and is a proven, solid run blocker. The Redskins could get away with starting him a few times if needed, but if not, having him give the other guards some rest during games would work out just fine.
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The final cog in this interior line rotation would be Roullier, who would get a chance to develop in the NFL. He would be able to work as the No. 2 center with the second team but also would get a chance to play some guard and learn that position. Though he would definitely be behind Long and Mangold on the depth chart, he would still have a chance to be a part of the 53-man roster and learn from some of the talented veterans in front of him.
It’s likely that Bill Callahan would be able to get his guys to buy into this type of arrangement. Considering that Mangold, 33, would only be around for a year or so, it would be a short term situation that could pay dividends to all involved.