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Redskins: Four position battles to watch in preseason opener vs. Browns

By Michael Shannon

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Greg Stroman #37 of the Washington Football Team defends Josh Hawkins #48 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Greg Stroman #37 of the Washington Football Team defends Josh Hawkins #48 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 13: Ereck Flowers #76 of the New York Giants is held by Rashad Jennings #23 in the fourth quarter during play against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 13: Ereck Flowers #76 of the New York Giants is held by Rashad Jennings #23 in the fourth quarter during play against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Left guard

The left guard battle may be the most interesting one for the Redskins this offseason, as they have a number of players fighting for the starting job there.

Ereck Flowers was a top 10 pick at left tackle when he entered the league in 2015 since then he has struggled tremendously at that position. On his now third (and likely, final) NFL team if he doesn’t show he can play, Flowers is not just adjusting to his new team but to a new position.

Jay Gruden echoed that Flowers “has the size, he has the power that you want at guard” but it will take some time to learn the new position. So, it seems that Gruden is willing to be patient with Flowers. Nonetheless, the preseason will be the test for Flowers as he must show that he capable of playing guard and though he may not have the perfect technique yet, he must show signs of improvement.

Behind Flowers is fourth-round rookie Wes Martin from Indiana. If you had to guess who would start Week 1 at guard, you’d probably pick him. The thing that has been getting in Martin’s way is his lack of quickness. Martin must show he can move around well and beat guys to the point of contact during the preseason. If Martin stays consistent and improves his footwork, he can take the starting job.

One other option who may have a chance to start at left guard is Ross Pierschbacher. He was a four-year starter at Alabama where he manned the center position. Pierschbacher has been moving between guard and center during training camp, but with Chase Roullier starting at center, it’s going to be hard for Pierschbacher to beat him. Pierschbacher has shown his versatility and if he continues to show that he is one of the five best offensive lineman in camp, he may just force himself onto the field and into the starting lineup.

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