When the Washington Commanders released Tyler Biadasz and extended Nick Allegretti ahead of time, some believed that would be the end of the team's center conundrum.
However, that might not be the case.
The Commanders are running a competition to see who'll come out on top. Allegretti is the favorite, boasting more experience. Sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin is also trying to stake a claim, as is Julian Good-Jones. It'll be interesting to see the dynamic unfold at training camp and into the preseason, but Quinn was encouraged by the performances of all three over Washington's offseason program.
Dan Quinn likes what he sees from Commanders' ongoing center battle
While Quinn acknowledged that the real tests will come when the pads go on at training camp, all three candidates have picked up the calls and nuances well during their first few months in David Blough's offense. There are still concerns from the outside looking in, but this should be enough to alleviate fears.
For now, at least. Â
"The center one, they're doing well. It's assignment and alignment to get the techniques right, but the real battle for them will be going against pads in the big space to go this phase of year. I thought the three of them really did a good job of new system calls, techniques, the communication with the center, the protection."
Allegretti would have to perform pretty poorly over camp and the preseason to lose his spot. He played well when deputizing for Biadasz late in the campaign, and he looks well suited to the new blocking concepts. Given what is at stake for the Commanders next season, his experience is vital.
In an ideal world, Gulbin will develop behind Allegretti and eventually take over. He's technically sound, with a bunch of reps at the college level. There are some things to work on — most notably his footwork and play strength — but until they progress, he's a decent depth option capable of playing anywhere along the interior.
Good-Jones looks like a candidate for the practice squad once again, which provides additional relief in the event of an injury. Anything more than that would be a bonus.
The Commanders took a massive risk by cutting Biadasz with one year remaining on his deal. It caught everyone off guard, and the fact that he quickly signed with the Los Angeles Chargers amid significant interest from elsewhere only heightened doubts about the move.
General manager Adam Peters had his reasons, which he is keeping in-house. It's a fluid situation that will be closely monitored over the summer, and though Allegretti is the firm frontrunner, he won't get a free run at the No. 1 center spot.
And it's this sort of competition that makes everyone better.
Add us as a preferred source on Google