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Redskins: 3 players with the most to prove after the 2019 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 10: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants in action against Benson Mayowa #93 of the Dallas Cowboys during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 10: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants in action against Benson Mayowa #93 of the Dallas Cowboys during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 10, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

3. OL Ereck Flowers

It may seem odd to have a player that was signed during the offseason included here, but hear me out. Flowers was added to play the left guard position and compete at that spot. Before the draft, he had minimal competition and was the de facto No. 1 option there.

After the draft, he has three potential suitors that could swoop in and take his job.

Two of these players came from the draft. Fourth-round pick Wes Martin and fifth-round pick Ross Pierschbacher both have the upside of starters. Martin is strictly a guard, with excellent strength, while Pierschbacher is an experienced lineman with versatility at center and guard. He could challenge for the guard spot if he plays well, and Martin — a natural guard — will certainly push Flowers for that role.

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Elsewhere, just prior to the draft, the Redskins once again brought back Tony Bergstrom. While Bergstrom isn’t the most talented player and is best suited as a fine backup, he can play both guard and center. He also has a year and a half of experience in Jay Gruden’s system. So, if Flowers struggles, the team will have the option of going with another veteran if they don’t think the rookies are ready.

The Redskins took a chance on Flowers, but they didn’t invest a lot in him. That’s why they call one-year contracts “prove it” deals. Flowers will have to prove that he can play inside and that he can hone his craft enough to be effective. If he can’t, he could find himself becoming a preseason cut. It will be interesting to see if he responds with his career potentially on the line.

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