The Washington Redskins’ roster has had a great deal of turnover. That has left uncertainty at multiple positions. None more affected than left tackle, left guard and tight end. Washington lost key contributors at each position.
Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera went on record saying competition at each position heading into training camp, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.
They traded disgruntled seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers in April. That has led to arguably the Redskins’ biggest hole to fill.
According to John Keim, third-year pro Geron Christian will get a chance to start and fill the void left by Williams’ departure. However, the Redskins also drafted Saahdiq Charles in the fourth-round of this year’s draft. Although he may be be tried at left guard. They also added Cornelius Lucas in free agency.
Three names that don’t appear as impressive on paper. Lucas has the most experience of the candidates vying for the starting role. However, Lucas has been most effective as a right tackle, the position currently occupied by Morgan Moses.
Christian has stumbled in each of his first two seasons as a swing tackle. Maybe getting a chance to play one particular spot will benefit his development?
Meanwhile at left guard, the Redskins have Wes Martin from the previous regime. They also signed Wes Schweitzer, Michael Liedtke and Jeremy Vujnovich in free agency. Martin and Schweitzer presumably would be lead in any competition to replace Ereck Flowers. Flowers spurned the Redskins, signing with the Miami Dolphins this off-season.
Additionally, Charles could be more suitable at guard given his technique and frame.
Then there is tight end, a position once considered a strength. This off-season the Redskins lost Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis. Reed was released after a serious of injuries and concussions. Davis announced his retirement during Super Bowl LIV.
The Redskins missed out on Greg Olsen and wasn’t willing to match the asking price of Austin Hooper in free agency. Thus, the team has settled on an underwhelming group that presumably could be lead by Logan Thomas — a converted quarterback.
They also have Jeremy Sprinkle, Hale Hentges, Richard Rodgers, Marcus Baugh and Caleb Wilson. And they signed the popular Thaddeus Moss as an undrafted rookie.
Rivera has preached competition ahead of his first season as the Redskins’ head coach. Left tackle, left guard and tight end will illustrate the sentiment most this upcoming season in Washington.
