The Washington Redskins have one hole on their offensive line. Here’s a look at a few NFL Combine prospects who could fill that.
The workout portion of the 2018 NFL Combine is finally upon us. After a few days of training, interviews, and some bench press reps, fans and scouts alike will get a chance to see the 2018 draft class work out. While the Combine doesn’t always end up being the most useful tool for evaluation, learning about the athletic potential of prospects can still be important.
For the Redskins, the Combine will be particularly important, as it will be an opportunity for the team to evaluate many of the players favored to be drafted. As it stands now, they will have many quality options at the No. 13 pick, but one could pull away as a favorite during the next few days.
With that said, it’s time to take a look at some of the quality offensive linemen who will be in action on Friday. Here’s three linemen for the Redskins to watch.
In the event that the Redskins look to find a Day 2 pick at the guard position, they should probably turn their attention to some of the quality blockers in the SEC. One of the names to keep an eye on will be Braden Smith.
Smith (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) was one of the steadiest blockers on the Auburn line last season and did well to open up holes for Kerryon Johnson. He went under the radar because he played the guard position, but there’s no doubting that he will be a solid pro.
In his NFL Draft prospect rankings, WalterFootball.com’s Charlie Campbell has Smith listed as the No. 5 guard prospect, and said the following of him.
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"Smith is a solid player who is well-balanced as a run blocker and pass protector. In Week 2, he was beaten for a sack by Clemson’s Christian Wilkins, a future first-round pick, but Smith also had a lot of nice plays against Wilkins and Clemson nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. After that Smith was rock solid for the Tigers. He has a pro skill set with size, strength and athleticism. Sources say that Smith is receiving second-day grades for the 2018 NFL Draft."
In the event that Smith is available in the second round, the Redskins should have interest in him. He could end up being a solid starter for the team. He also could be a third-round option if the team elects to trade into that round. If Smith impresses, he already had 35 reps on the bench press, his stock could continue to rise.
I’m bullish on many of the players from Georgia in this year’s draft. I’ve spoken about my appreciation for Sony Michel and Roquan Smith in recent weeks, and this time, it’s Isaiah Wynn‘s turn to get some love.
Wynn was quietly one of the best offensive players for Georgia last season. He played the left tackle position and did a lot to give freshman Jake Fromm ample time to work in the pocket.
Back in January, I mocked Wynn to the New Orleans Saints at the No. 27 spot in my NFL Mock Draft. At the time, I said the following of his ability.
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"Wynn has played left tackle at Georgia, but some believe that he is best suited to play an interior position in the NFL. Given his 6-foot-2, 302 pound frame, that seems like a logical point. At the same time, Wynn should have the versatility to play tackle if needed, so that could come into play with that pick as well."
However, since that time, Wynn has been officially measured at the Combine, and he came in at 6-foot-3, 314 pounds. That could help his case to play outside for an NFL team. At the same time, he would probably be best suited inside because of his slightly smaller stature. Regardless, getting a lineman who could potentially play all the positions on the offensive line will appeal to many teams. Wynn possesses that.
Wynn has the potential to become a very solid starter and if he is somehow available when the Redskins are on the clock in Round 2, they shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on him. Or, if they still have to fill that hole, they could contemplate trading into the back end of the first round to get him.
There’s no question that Quenton Nelson is one of the best players in the draft. In fact, he’s probably the best player on the offensive side of the ball, though Saquon Barkley might have something to say about that. Nelson should be a sure-fire elite level starter at the NFL level and is one of the safest prospects at his position in the past decade.
Nelson was excellent in his final season at Notre Dame and did well to form a strong left side of the line with fellow first round prospect Mike McGlinchey. Nelson showed few weaknesses during the season and looks like a well-balanced, plug and play starter for the team that selects him.
In the event that Nelson is available with the No. 13 pick, the Redskins will have to consider taking him. The potential of having a line made up of Trent Williams, Nelson, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, and Morgan Moses would be too much to pass up on. Instantly, they would have one of the best lines in the league and that would open up so much for their offense.
Next: 3 running backs for Redskins to watch at Combine
Nelson figures to perform well at the Combine, as he has been up to the task of performing all season. Still, getting a look at him will be nice for Redskins fans, as they will finally get a chance to see the guard in action.