Washington Redskins post-NFL Draft 53-man roster projection
By Ian Cummings
Offensive Interior
Roster Projection: Ty Nsekhe, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Tony Bergstrom, Tyler Catalina, Sean Welsh
Roster Locks: Ty Nsekhe, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Tony Bergstrom
Offseason Sleepers: Kyle Kalis, Sean Welsh, Timon Parris
The Washington Redskins have said that they expect Ty Nsekhe to compete for the left guard slot this offseason, and with the subsequent selection of Geron Christian in the third round of the NFL Draft, it would make sense that they experiment with Nsekhe at that position.
Even at 33 years old, Nsekhe has the size and talent to earn the starting position in the short-term. With Nsekhe at left guard, the Washington Redskins could comfortably run with ascending second-year player Chase Roullier at center, and perennial Pro Bowler Brandon Scherff at right guard.
It can’t be understated how important Roullier’s development is in 2018. The Wyoming product impressed as a rookie in 2017, and he will get all starting snaps as a center in the offseason. If he doesn’t pan out, it will set the Washington Redskins back at the position. Luckily for them, however, they have several players in the wings who can play both center and guard. Tony Bergstrom is a reliable veteran option, while Iowa’s Sean Welsh is an underrated option as an undrafted free agent. Welsh has starting experience at Iowa, a school that’s known for churning out NFL offensive linemen.
The team should be expected to keep their starters, and after that, Tony Bergstrom is a lock. The team re-signed him earlier in the offseason, as he played well on a very short notice in 2017. Bergstrom can play center and guard, so his utility is useful there.
After Bergstrom, Catalina seems to have a slight edge; he was awarded a spot on the roster as an undrafted free agent in 2017 because of his versatility between tackle and guard. With experience under his belt, and an offseason to improve, he should be able to separate himself. As the sixth interior offensive lineman, Sean Welsh should be viewed as a candidate to knock out Arie Kouandjio, as the team released Orlando Franklin to make room for Welsh yesterday. Welsh is younger than Koudanjio, and at this point, the team may prefer his upside and versatility over the latter’s stagnant play.
Two options that shouldn’t be forgotten, in the midst of all the names, are Kyle Kalis and Timon Parris. Kalis, an undrafted free agent from Michigan in 2017, impressed the coaching staff, but was ultimately beaten out by Tyler Catalina due to the latter’s versatility. Kalis would be signed to the Colts’ practice squad, and soon after, he would be elevated to the active roster, starting two games at guard for the team. He did not play well, and soon after, he was released. The Redskins picked him back up. Timon Parris, meanwhile, is a massive 6-foot-6 guard who has extensive starting experience in the FCS. Neither player has the inside track at the roster. But neither should be forgotten, either. There are many unknowns surrounding this position group. Anything could happen.