Washington Redskins: Could Ty Nsekhe be the solution at left guard?
With the NFL Draft just days away, the Washington Redskins are looking to upgrade their roster.
The Washington Redskins have a big need at left guard. Should Jay Gruden consider filling that void with the biggest offensive lineman on the team, Ty Nsekhe?
One of the more underrated players on the roster, Ty Nsekhe has had quite the journey to the NFL. He began his collegiate career fifteen years ago in 2003. Playing at both Texas State and Tarletan State, he spent time with various Arena League teams before signing with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2012. After spending most of the preseason in Indianapolis, Nsekhe was released before eventually signing with the Rams.
Ironically, he made his NFL debut against the Washington Redskins in Week 2 of that season. Injuries eventually led to his release in St.Louis, and he then had a brief stint with the Saints in 2014. He didn’t appear in any games, and it wasn’t until 2015 that Nsekhe found a home in D.C.
In 2015 and 2016, Nsekhe started a total of six games in place of Trent Williams. This past season, Nsekhe started in five more games, with one coming at left guard. He also has more game experience at left guard as he’s filled in for Shawn Lauvao on multiple occasions. My fellow writer Ian Cummings did an excellent job on the assessing the team’s current roster. One area of concern is the left guard position. The Washington Redskins may want to address that position in the draft. But there’s also reason to believe Ty Nsekhe is the solution they need.
Regardless of whether the Washington Redskins elect to draft an interior lineman, Nsekhe could be the best option. Although he made only one start at guard in 2017, Nsekhe has impressed in game situations. Nsekhe is one of the more versatile players along the offensive line, and while the team should still be prudent and draft an interior lineman, giving Nsekhe a chance to start at left guard is a move that could pay dividends for the Redskins, due to his experience. Moving Nskehe to guard would hurt the depth at tackle, but the Washington Redskins can fix that in the draft as well.
Furthermore, Nsekhe would be of great help to the Washington Redskins rushing attack as a left guard. In the past four seasons, the Redskins have finished No. 19 or worse in the NFL in rushing. What’s even more disappointing is that they have one of the more respected offensive line coaches in the league in Bill Callahan. His power-schemed rushing attacks continue to be a staple with the Cowboys, even after he left. With Nsekhe starting at guard, the Redskins could potentially incorporate more of those power rushing schemes, and Callahan could be more comfortable, from a personnel standpoint.
Quarterback Alex Smith has enjoyed much success when he’s been supplanted with a power running scheme. At 6-foot-8, 338 pounds, Nsekhe would be an imposing presence at guard. Jay Gruden could still implement some zone concepts, but the best way to improve the ground game is to get back to the basics. Offensive linemen are at their best when their moving forward, not backwards. Blocking players, not areas. With his length and tenacity, Nsekhe can flourish in this role.
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If the team does indeed move Ty Nsekhe to left guard, they could elect to allocate their draft picks to other positions, affording them flexibility. The Washington Redskins love Nsekhe’s versatility, and he does fill his role nicely as a swing tackle. However, Nsekhe is one of the best offensive linemen on the team, and any and every offensive line should feature its best five players. Good coaches find a way to get their best players on the field. By moving Nsekhe to left guard, the Washington Redskins can use all five of their best offensive linemen at once, while also negating the need at left guard.