What the Najee Toran signing tells us about the Washington Football Team’s O-Line

The Washington Football Team signed two unheralded players to its roster this week.

Neither player –  interior defensive lineman Gabe Wright and offensive guard Najee Toran – seems likely to make the final roster. Wright, who has not played in an NFL game since 2018, has 11 tackles in his four-year career. Najee Toran has even less of a track record.

These moves generally fall under the heading of “deep depth.” But I have come to realize that you can learn a lot about a team’s philosophy if you think just a bit more about such moves.

The question is “why these two guys?” There are a great many marginal talents floating around out there who you could snap up as “deep depth.” Teams do it every year.

So why did the Washington Football Team choose Wright and Toran?

I’ll admit right up front, I have no clue why they opted for Wright. I can understand why they may have shied away from a more productive free agent like David Irving, who has been suspended during his career, or former standout Jurrell Casey, who might still demand a higher salary despite being past his prime.

Washington obviously sees something worth a look in Wright. With four quality interior linemen in the fold, and Devaroe Lawrence waiting in the wings, Washington can afford to take a flyer.

The Toran signing, though – that one continues a very clear progression in the way in which the offensive line is being built.