Who is the Commanders LG1?
This really isn’t a question right now. It is Saahdiq Charles.
Every Washington Commanders fan is hoping this is a breakout year for the former LSU offensive tackle now entering his fourth season. But what if it isn’t?
Last season, Washington shuffled through six different guards - Charles, Sam Cosmi, Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner, Chris Paul, and Wes Schweitzer - who had to fill in at center as well. Washington seems confident in Cosmi at right guard, but Charles is more of a question mark.
If he falters, second-year player Chris Paul is waiting for his shot. Rookie center Ricky Stromberg has been lining up at guard at times during training camp and might be another potential option as the campaign progresses with a little more technical development.
Starting center Nick Gates has played some guard during his time with the New York Giants, too. Washington has a couple of strong prospects – Nolan Laufenberg and Mason Brooks – stashed away on its practice squad.
The Commanders clearly have enough bodies. They just need one of these players to seize the job and make it his own.
Charles should get the first chance against the Arizona Cardinals. If he proves ineffective, a revolving door may begin spinning.