When the Washington Commanders went all-in to secure the services of left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans, it was a real statement of intent. Though things didn't go quite according to plan last season, this decision to bring him on board was a masterstroke.
However, one NFL defensive coach remains unconvinced by Tunsil, an outrageous claim given the exceptional consistency he displayed during Year 1 in Washington.
Tunsil's credentials need no introduction. He emerged as a beacon of light amid the constant doom and gloom last season, delivering All-Pro-caliber play and becoming a strong leadership presence behind the scenes. General manager Adam Peters recognized his importance to the team's plans, giving him a bumper new contract extension to avoid any unnecessary complications a little later in the summer.
Defensive coach criticizes Laremy Tunsil despite superb first season with Commanders
That's not an opinion shared by everybody.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler spoke to a veteran NFL defensive coach about Tunsil, who came in at No. 5 in his annual offensive tackle rankings. This report was less glowing, claiming the Ole Miss product blows assignments and doesn't communicate effectively enough to be considered a truly elite option.
"He makes mistakes and blows protection assignments on communication."
Okay...
This is certainly a take. But anyone who watched Tunsil closely last season knows it is not entirely accurate.
The penalty numbers were slightly higher than ideal. Aside from that, Tunsil was almost flawless on the blindside, no matter who was operating under center.
And the tape doesn't lie.
His ability to mirror oncoming edge rushers in pass protection is exemplary. There are very few wasted movements, and his ability to gain leverage and keep it makes him an incredibly difficult proposition to overcome. This was matched by some crushing run-blocking, which made him the complete package and one of the league's most prolific blindside enforcers.
Tunsil's impact behind the scenes is just as important.
He's taken it upon himself to mentor first-round right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., showing him what it takes to reach the next level and carve out a productive career for himself. The Oregon product is hanging on his every word, and the relationship is blossoming. If this translates into the regular season, the Commanders will have a bookend tackle tandem on their hands.
No player is perfect. Tunsil is no exception, but he was pretty close last season.
This is an elite player with a lot of good football left in the tank. And if the new blocking concepts implemented by David Blough have the desired effect, the five-time Pro Bowler could get even better.
That's a scary prospect for everyone else.
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