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Riggo’s Rag Redskins Mailbag: Veterans vs. youth, left tackle battle, more

By Jacob Camenker

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 24: Cornelius Lucas #73 of the Chicago Bears on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 24: Cornelius Lucas #73 of the Chicago Bears on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Left tackle battle

SE Omar: Who will be the starting left tackle?

JC: This is going to be one of the position battles to watch this offseason. The Redskins don’t have a lot of tackle talent on the team right now, so it’s anyone’s guess who will open the season as the starting left tackle.

For now, there are three primary candidates at the position. Cornelius Lucas, rookie Saahdiq Charles, and 2018 third-round pick Geron Christian.

If there’s a favorite right now, it’s probably Lucas. The veteran swing tackle was signed as a free agent this offseason after he played well while mostly playing at right tackle for the Bears last year. The 6-8 blocker is probably best served as a top backup, but for the time being, he’s the most proven tackle on the roster and will likely begin the season as the starter.

Charles could change that. The fourth-round pick from LSU is a good technician who spent draft season bulking up to add strength for the next level. He’ll need to prove that he can play in the NFL and find success against the more physical and athletic players, but he has the skills needed to do that. If Charles doesn’t unseat Lucas to start the season, he should be the starter by the end of the season in the ideal scenario for the Redskins.

Related Story. Evaluating the Redskins draft picks - OT Saahdiq Charles. light

As for Christian, he’s more of a wild card. He hasn’t looked like an NFL-quality tackle during his first two seasons. But if he makes the leap under a new coaching staff, perhaps he could factor into the race. But for the time being, he should be focused more on fighting for a roster spot.

So, long story short, in my opinion, Lucas will begin the season as a starter until Charles is ready. But it’s possible — if not, probable — that Charles will start more games than Lucas on the left side.

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