Washington Redskins: What Jay Gruden Looks For In Offensive Linemen

In our first installment of “what Jay Gruden could look for in players at positions of need” — we discussed Wide Receivers. Click here for the WR prospect rankings and notes.

Redskins top needs: DL, RT, G/C, WR, S, CB

The Washington Redskins have issues across the offensive line, but the positions I believe will be of focus is Right Tacke and both Guard spots. Washington may have already found themselves a potential center late in the season in JD Walton, who was released by the Denver Broncos. Walton, a promising young Baylor product, suffered a severe ankle injury that seemingly derailed his career. But the 26-year old is determined to return to football with a new opportunity in Washington.

Head Coach Jay Gruden apparently will continue with some outside, inside zone blocking schematic concepts. But he loves the power game and I’m certain the Redskins will use it often. In order for that to happen, Washington has to get bigger and stronger across the offensive line. The Redskins currently have the lightest, by average, offensive line in the NFL. That will change with Gruden at helm.

Trent Williams, Washington’s Pro-Bowl Left Tackle, is by far the largest offensive linemen in Washington. At 6ft 5, 325, Trent Williams appears to fit the Gruden mold perfectly. I believe Gruden values size, power and athleticism across the line. It is difficult to find those three attributes in linemen, but getting bigger and stronger will be a priority for the Redskins.

Washington only had one starting offensive lineman’s listed weight as being over 310 lbs — Trent Williams. All of the Cincinnati Bengals’ starting offensive linemen weighed at least 315 lbs. Plus they have a Right Tackle in Andre Smith who is 6ft 4, 335 lbs. Which, in my opinion, is the model Gruden will use when looking for a Right Tackle.

With that being said, here’s my rankings of Free Agent Offensive Linemen and Draft prospects that fit the possible Gruden mold.

Free Agent Right Tackles:

1. Austin Howard, 27 years old, New York Jets (6ft 7, 333 lbs)

2. Roger Saffold, 25 years old, St. Louis Rams (6ft 5, 332 lbs)

3. Anthony Collins, 28 years old, Cincinnati Bengals (6ft 5, 315 lbs)

4. J’Marucus Webb, 25 years old, Minnesota Vikings (6 ft 7, 333 lbs)

5. Zach Strief, 30 years old, New Orleans Saints (6ft 7, 320 lbs)

Free Agent Guards:

1. Geoff Schwartz, 27 years old, Kansas City Chiefs (6ft 6, 340 lbs)

2. Jon Asamoah, 25 years old, Kansas City Chiefs (6ft 4, 305 lbs)

3. Roger Saffold, 25 years old, St. Louis Rams (6ft 5, 332 lbs)

4. John Jerry, 27 years old, Miami Dolphins (6ft 5, 335 lbs)

5. Ritchie Incognito, 30 years old, Miami Dolphins (6ft 3, 319 lbs)

NFL Draft Right Tackle Prospects:

1. Morgan Moses, Virginia (6ft 6, 325 lbs)

2. Antonio Richardson, Tennessee (6ft 6, 327 lbs)

3. Gabe Jackson, Missippi State (6ft 3, 339 lbs)

4. Seantrel Henderson, Miami (6ft 7, 331 lbs)

5. Jon Halapoli, Florida (6ft 4, 320 lbs)

NFL Draft Guard Prospects:

1. Gabe Jackson, Missippi State (6ft 3, 339 lbs)

2. Cyril Richardson, Baylor (6ft 5, 348 lbs)

3. Jon Halapoli, Florida (6ft 4, 320 lbs)

4. Chris Watt, Notre Dame (6ft 3, 321 lbs)

5. Ryan Groy, Wisconsin (6ft 5, 325 lbs)

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