The Offensive Line was a sieve last season for multiple reasons. An injured QB, a historically bad special teams unit, and an encore performance from Tyler and the Turnstiles formed DC's version of an Open Door Policy. Amazingly, the interior of the line was so porous, that RT Tyler Polumbus was not even the worst lineman last season. But when the front door is standing wide open, why go to the side of the house?
On the other side of the line at Tackle, we have the polar opposite. Trent Williams is an elite, Pro Bowl Left Tackle, who has gotten better every year he's been in the league. The Redskins have been looking to find a bookend tackle to pair with Williams since he was drafted without much luck. They drafted Tom Compton in 2012 in the 6th round, and have been working to prepare him for a starting job on the line. He spent his rookie year on the practice squad, and earned a roster spot last season as the swing tackle and the only back up tackle on the roster. Offensive Line coach Chris Foerster said Compton needed to work on his strength when he entered the league, and he has made steady progress towards earning a more prominent role on the line.
The question remains, how can we fix the offensive line this season, and keep Robert Griffin III upright and healthy? Tom Compton will be given an opportunity in training camp, and there is a chance Jay Gruden drafts bigger linemen this year to replace some of Mike Shanahan's undersized line. But another option is signing an experienced Offensive Tackle to bring some stability and experience to the right side of the line. Here are a few of the options available in free agency this year.
Offensive Tackle Options:
1. Michael Oher, Baltimore Ravens:
Age: 27(28 in May)
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 315 lbs
Michael Oher's had an up and down career in Baltimore and has bounced back and forth between left and right tackle. He claims to like playing Right Tackle more, and that's where he will get interest in the free agency marketplace. He's struggled alot in recent years and people will question how much of an upgrade he would be over Polumbus, and at what cost. Oher is someone to look at if he is available after the market price is set and several OTs have been signed by other team's.
2. Anthony Collins, Cincinnati Bengals:
Age: 28
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 315 lbs
Collins will definitely be on Jay Gruden's radar after being on his offensive line for the last 3 years. He has been a backup, and replacement starter for most of his career, never starting more than 8 games a season in his 6 years in the league. He has experience playing right and left tackle, and could be looking to find a starting left tackle job. Last season, he allowed 0 sacks in his 8 starts, and the Bengals reportedly want him back to play Left Tackle. If he is looking for Left Tackle money, he is going to be out of the price range. The Redskins are still expected to pursue him, but there will be competition.
3. Rodger Saffold, St Louis Rams:
Age: 25
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 332 lbs
4. Eric Winston, Arizona Cardinals:
Age: 30
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 302 lbs
5. Marshall Newhouse, Green Bay Packers
Age: 25
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 319 lbs