The Washington Redskins offensive line will have more depth this season than they did last season after drafting two rookies in the first three rounds.
The Washington Redskins offensive line will return some of its starters from last season, including Trent Williams, who emerged as one of the best left tackles in the NFL.
Apart from Williams, the offensive line had its struggles. They added depth by signing former Cleveland Brown Shawn Lauvao to a four-year, $17 million contract. He struggled in Cleveland, so he will have a lot to improve on to justify the Redskins signing him.
Kory Lichtensteiger, who started at left guard, will move to center to make room for Lauvao after Will Montgomery’s release. Lichtensteiger performed decently in the zone-blocking scheme at left guard, but it is unknown how he will perform in Jay Gruden’s offensive scheme.
Chris Chester performed decently at right guard, but he may have a difficult time fending off third-round rookie Spencer Long for the starting job. Chester is under contract through 2015 though, and there are concerns stemming from a season-ending injury that occurred in his senior season at Nebraska.
Tyler Polumbus will return at right tackle, and he performed respectably enough to be on track to start again. He will be pushed by second-round rookie Morgan Moses though.
Mike McGlynn will be the backup at center, and he will provide a veteran presence on an offensive line filled with youth. Josh LeRibeus is expected to remain on the roster after reporting to camp 30 pounds overweight last season. He is back to his rookie weight of 315 pounds though.
The Redskins are expected to carry nine or 10 offensive linemen. While upgrades have been made through free agency and the draft, it will need to improve its play from last season to keep quarterback Robert Griffin III upright.
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