Washington Football Team: A wish list of free agent offensive linemen
By Jonathan Eig
Other good options on the market
Two of Williams’ teammates in Buffalo are well worth considering. Jon Feliciano is an aggressive guard who is a ferocious run blocker, and Ike Boettger filled in very nicely at guard when both Feliciano and Brian Winters had to miss time this past season.
Boettger, just 26, is a restricted free agent, and under normal circumstances, I would not spend a lot of time on such a player. However, given Buffalo’s situation this offseason — with Williams and fellow tackle Ty Nsekhe, along with Feliciano and fellow guard Winters, all hitting free agency at the same time — the Bills will not be able to retain everyone. One or two of these players are ripe to be poached.
The other player who I think would be an outstanding addition to the offensive line is Pittsburgh’s Matt Feiler. Feiler turns 29 this Summer. He has emerged as a quality lineman, who like Daryl Williams, can play virtually any position across the line. I don’t think Feiler will be leaving Pittsburgh, but if the Steelers fail to lock him up, Washington should make a push there.
Washington will almost certainly look to sign several career back-ups, as they did in 2020. That is how the left side of the line was formed, with unheralded players like Lucas and Schweitzer turning out to be saviors.
The two players I have seen some decent tape on who fall into this category are Rashod Hill, a swing tackle for the Vikings, and Julien Davenport, late of the Dolphins, who also has experience at both tackles.
Washington may fall in love with a player like Villanueva, but I am assuming that they will stick to what has worked for them of late. Young (under 30) versatile linemen are essential to building on what was accomplished in 2020.
If Scherff returns, the core is strong. Adding a potential stud left tackle through the draft and adding quality depth and versatility through free agency will be essential as well.