Redskins 53-man roster projection: New-look ‘Skins rely on youth, upside
Interior Offensive Line (5)
Brandon Scherff, Chase Roullier, Wes Martin, Wes Schweitzer, Keith Ismael
There are two starting positions solidified on the interior offensive line. Scherff will begin the season as the starting right guard and in all likelihood, Roullier will be the team’s starting center for a third straight season.
There will be a lot of competition for the starting left guard position. And that competition will have a big impact on who earns a roster spot.
Washington Commanders
The top options at left guard are likely the two Wes’ — Martin and Schweitzer. While Schweitzer signed a three-year deal this offseason, he’s only being compensated as a low-level starter/high-level backup. And realistically, his deal is only a one-year pact that the ‘Skins can get out of with $2 million in dead cap. Considering that they are well-positioned financially for 2020, they can afford to absorb that hit if needed.
Schweitzer played 697 snaps last year and only logged four penalties and allowed two sacks. He’s an average player, but he is experienced.
As for Martin, the 2019 fourth-round pick looked good in limited action as a rookie. In 290 snaps last season, he committed three penalties and allowed one sack. But after having extra time to develop strength during the 2020 offseason, Martin has the upside to become a very strong player. He already had good functional strength and if he can find success as a run blocker, he will have a chance to win the starting job.
Right now, I slightly favor Martin for the job because of his upside. But both Wes’ should make the roster barring a surprise.
The final interior spot will go to fifth-round pick Keith Ismael. He figures to beat out Ross Pierschbacher for the backup center job and should be an upgrade over what the team had in Tony Bergstrom last year. Ismael needs to improve in several areas at the NFL level, but his light feet could give him a chance to take over as a starter in 2021 if Roullier leaves in free agency.
If the Redskins decide to keep 10 linemen on the roster — possible but unlikely — Pierschbacher would likely be the 10th man. The 2019 fifth-round pick should be a sure-fire practice squader if not and if he improves, maybe he can earn a role on the roster thanks to his center/guard versatility.
Elsewhere, Jeremy Vujnovich and Michael Liedtke are veterans, but they are likely just experienced camp bodies. Maybe they’ll surprise, but the ‘Skins are likely focused on staying young on offense right now.