Re-ordering the Redskins draft needs after initial free agency

No. 5 – Offensive Tackle

There are plenty of candidates for this No. 5 spot, as the Redskins roster still looms around average, as a whole. An upgrade could be had at tight end, especially if suspected cuts come to pass. Inside linebacker is another possible option, although it could be more cost-effective to stick with in-house options there. And cornerback could garner consideration as well.

But the loss of Ty Nsekhe to the Buffalo Bills in free agency brings about a startling reality for the Redskins: They are painfully thin at one of the most important offensive positions, and they need not just depth, but potential starting ability.

In recent years, Nsekhe was a valuable security blanket at tackle for the Redskins; one who saw plenty of playing time with both Trent Williams and Morgan Moses battling injury. Now, with Nsekhe gone, the only tackle behind the team’s two injury prone starters is Geron Christian, a 2018 third-round pick who underwhelmed in limited action in his rookie season.

Christian can still develop, but his pervading lack of functional strength is concerning, to say the least. Even more concerning is the status of the team’s two starting offensive tackles. Trent Williams turns 31 this offseason, and he’s missed nine games over the past two seasons, playing injured in dozens more. Moses battled injuries while playing as well, and while he at least provides stability at right tackle, there’s no one behind him to give the Redskins insurance.

With both short-term and long-term needs looming on the horizon at tackle, magnified by the loss of stalwart lineman Ty Nsekhe, the Redskins can’t afford to overlook their need at tackle. Their lack of depth has cost them for two seasons on end now. And after losing Nsekhe, they’ll only get thinner.