Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins: First-round prospects the team is most likely to select at each position

By Jacob Camenker

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 8: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass for a touchdown during a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Salukis 76-41. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 8: D.K. Metcalf #14 of the Mississippi Rebels catches a pass for a touchdown during a game against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Salukis 76-41. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next
NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 27: Offensive lineman Cody Ford #74 of the Oklahoma Sooners gestures to the crowd before the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Kansas State 51-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 27: Offensive lineman Cody Ford #74 of the Oklahoma Sooners gestures to the crowd before the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Kansas State 51-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

OL Cody Ford, Oklahoma

Of the top interior linemen that could be on the board with the Redskins’ pick, I tend to prefer Cody Ford as an option. He’s a big-bodied guy who has the potential to be an excellent guard at the NFL level, and should even be able to play some tackle. However, in Washington, he would fill one of the team’s biggest needs.

For a long time, the Redskins have needed a left guard. For the past five years, they have attempted to use Shawn Lauvao at the position, but he was below-average when on the field and injuries prevented him from playing frequently. Last season, after he went out, the team used a revolving door of options at the position. Only Jonathan Cooper had success in his stead, and Cooper only lasted a few games before getting injured.

Spending an early pick on a guard is not something that a lot of teams like to do, but sometimes, it ends up being the best option. Just look at how the additions of Zack Martin and Quenton Nelson shaped the Cowboys and the Colts respectfully.

While Ford isn’t on the same level as either of those prospects, the point is that getting an upper-level performer on the interior line can have a major impact on teams. In the modern NFL, with the great interior pass rushes we are seeing, interior protection is critical and really, shouldn’t be ignored.

With Washington, Ford would really be the final piece needed on the starting offensive line to make it a great unit. Morgan Moses had his issues last year and Trent Williams struggled with injuries, but if all are back and healthy, they could have a chance to become the “Hogs 2.0” that many foresaw a couple seasons ago. Either way, the 6-foot-4, 338-pound Ford should draw consideration from the Redskins as an under-the-radar option that could really help the team.

Home/Commanders Draft News