Washington Football Team: Analyzing the 2021 offensive line

The starting lineup

It would appear that barring injury, the right side is locked in place. Certainly Roullier and Moses appear to be locks. Scherff, the most decorated player on the entire roster, is a lock as well, with one caveat. We will get to that in time.

It should not be assumed, however, that Schweitzer and Lucas will quietly cede their starting spots. Both players appeared to be minor free agent signings in the 2020 offseason, and both paid huge dividends. In fact, if you are a fan of Pro Football Focus analytics, both Schweitzer and Lucas graded out higher than Flowers and Leno.

Schweitzer moves better than Flowers and is better suited for zone blocking. Most teams, Washington included, use some hybrid of classic man blocking and zone blocking in 2021. Flowers performed well for the Washington Football Team in 2019, but I would not automatically award him the job.

Leno is more likely to take the left tackle spot from Lucas, but this too is not automatic. Leno is a more athletic player than Lucas. He has a longer track record. Like Schweitzer, he is better suited to zone blocking in the run game.

But Lucas proved last year that he does the one thing you need your left tackle to do. He keeps his quarterback clean. Lucas is massive, with a powerful frame and long arms. Pass rushers cannot run around him and they cannot run through him. Leno moves better in space and offers an offense greater flexibility. But he is also a smaller man and can occasionally be beaten by a power rush.

The bottom line is this: The Washington Football Team projects to have a starting left side at least as good as it was last year. And possibly better. No matter what, the depth will be far better. If Flowers and Leno do indeed win the jobs, Schweitzer and Lucas provide excellent depth. Schweitzer can step in at right or left guard, and Lucas can handle both tackle spots.