Continuing my look at the Redskins' 53-man roster by position group, this time the offensive line.
Who they have: Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Kory Lichtensteiger, Chris Chester, Tyler Polumbus, Tom Compton, Morgan Moses, Spencer Long, Josh LeRibeus
Newcomers: Lauvao, Long, Moses
Who they lost: Will Montgomery, Maurice Hurt, Adam Gettis, J.D. Walton
Where they’re better: They’re a little bigger as a group with the addition of Lauvao, Moses and Long. Lichtensteiger gained some weight, but will never be considered a big lineman. While they got bigger, they also sought linemen who could move; coaches in Cleveland felt Lauvao would be a good fit in an outside zone scheme. They’re quicker at center with Lichtensteiger replacing Montgomery, though the latter was one of the strongest players on the team. If Long and Moses develop, the Redskins have two potentially good pieces for the right side. I like Long and he works well getting to the linebackers, but he also struggled at times – fooled by some looks; going the wrong way on some runs -- and showed that he’s not yet ready for a starting job. He’ll get there. Moses improved throughout the summer, but would be best served learning and developing in practice. He needs to be more consistent. Lauvao is bigger than Lichtensteiger at left guard, but he doesn’t always drive his man off the ball as a run blocker or arrive with the sort of power you’d expect. Williams is Williams. He’s good; he also gives up pressure on occasion.
Where they’re worse: Don’t think they’re worse, but it’s more so how much better are they really? I worry about whether this line can give Robert Griffin III the level of protection he needs as a quarterback still learning to pass from the pocket. Also, they have fast receivers, whom they want to win downfield or on long crossing routes. Those take a little time to develop. Can the protection hold up? The line did not have a lot of experienced depth a year ago and they do not have it now. Compton and LeRibeus have combined for zero starts in their first three seasons while the other two are rookies. At least Compton and LeRibeus are well-schooled in the outside zone scheme.
Overall: The run blocking should be solid, though in some cases that depends on the sort of defensive scheme they’re facing – what style of 3-4 front, for example. But as a group they work fine together. The protection will be an issue – but protection goes beyond the line. Still, the interior has a lot to prove and even though some changes have been made they have to show it’s for the better. If they’re going to be more of a dropback passing team, then the protection must hold up better (yes, the quarterback has to make quicker decisions, too. But there will be longer-developing routes and the line must provide the quarterback a level of trust, knowing he won't always be throwing with blockers at his feet). Lauvao was not exactly a universally praised free-agent signing. This is a group in transition for what, or who, I think Jay Gruden ultimately wants in place.
