NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
Washington’s offensive line could look very different than it did in 2020. Going into last season, many worried their offensive line would struggle. However, after a rough start, the unit ended up playing very well and was one of the few bright spots on offense. Washington had the 4th highest pass-blocking grade and 10th highest run-blocking grade in the league in 2020.
Morgan Moses was unexpectedly released last week, leaving a hole at right tackle. The move left fans puzzled as Moses came off the best year of his career and was relatively cheap for two more seasons. Geron Christian was also released. The offseason moves have led to questions about the potential lineup for Washington’s offensive line in 2021.
Here is my projection for Washington’s starting offensive line:
Left Tackle: Charles Leno Jr.
When Leno was signed, I was unsure what his role would be. Lucas came off a career year, where he posted an 83.9 pass-blocking grade. However, after the release of Moses, the signing made more sense. Leno is a better run blocker than Lucas. However, Lucas is a much better pass blocker. If not for the Moses release, I believe Lucas would be the starting left tackle.
Other potential starters: Lucas, Cosmi, Charles
Left Guard: Wes Schweitzer
Rivera attempted to resign Ereck Flowers in the 2020 offseason. Flowers ended up signing a 3-year/$30 million contract with the Dolphins. After a disappointing season, Miami traded Flowers back to Washington. There will be an open competition at the left guard position.
Schweitzer is coming off the best year of his career, having a 72.6 pass-blocking grade. Washington fans believe Flowers was a great guard for them in 2019. However, he only managed a grade of 64.1 that season. When it comes to a head-to-head competition, I believe Schweitzer comes out on top.
Other potential starters: Flowers, Charles
Center: Chase Roullier
Like every offensive lineman for Washington, Roullier had the best year of his career. He was the 6th highest-graded center in the league. He is under contract until 2025, so I don’t expect Roullier to be wearing another uniform anytime soon. In fact, he is the only starting offensive lineman under contract beyond 2021.
Other potential starters: None
Right Guard: Brandon Scherff
Roullier and Scherff are the only two offensive linemen that are guaranteed starters. Scherff took the step up last season to be an elite guard. Before 2020, he was always a good guard, but never great. Unfortunately, it is unlikely he is on Washington’s roster past this season. Franchise tagging a player twice does not usually end well. Scherff is looking to reset the guard market, and I do not blame Rivera if he looks for a cheaper option.
Other potential starters: None
Right Tackle: Cornelius Lucas
Lucas had an underrated season in 2020. He was Washington’s third-highest graded offensive lineman. He also had the 10th highest passing blocking grade among offensive tackles in the league (300 snap minimum). The only reason Lucas is at right tackle instead of left is his experience at this side. Besides last season, he played exclusively at right tackle. I can’t imagine Cosmi comes in and plays at a higher level than Lucas did in 2020. Due to this, I believe we won’t see much of Cosmi until 2022.
Other potential starters: Samuel Cosmi
[pickup_prop id=”5176″]
