Redskins 2015 Draft Class Predictions: Brandon Scherff

With the 5th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Redskins select Brandon Scherff, offensive tackle from the University of Iowa.

This phrase was music to the ears of many Redskins fans who lived through the glory days of the Hogs, and for many who didn't yet get to experience those good times, but eagerly await a return.

Brandon Scherff represents a new era of Redskins football; one of toughness, nastiness, will, determination and grit!

In this post, I will look at Best Case, Worst Case and Most Likely Case scenarios for our newly acquired beast-man.

Best Case:

Absolute best case for Scherff is he starts immediately at right tackle, and eventually moves to left tackle when incumbent Trent Williams calls it quits, commands too much money and becomes a free agent or gets injured. The last part of this scenario with Williams is the most likely not happening anytime in the near future. But if an injury were to happen, I would expect it to sideline Williams for a season at most, and Scherff should return to the right side upon the return of Williams. Williams is too good and too young to allow him to leave via free agency or make a permanent move to the right side. Ideally, the Redskins want Williams and Scherff on the field at the same time, so although a move to left tackle may be the way for Scherff to maximize his earning potential(HIS best case scenario), the best case scenario for the Redskins would not look quite like this.

Worst Case:

The worst case scenario I can see playing out with Scherff is him moving inside to guard, and becoming a perennial Pro Bowler, aka Zach Martin of the Cowboys. Some question Scherff's ability to handle speed rushers off the edge, and his length, so obviously those who doubt his ability in each area will immediately project him inside to guard. Analysts have touted his strength and nastiness, and figured those assets could be best put to use on the inside where he is paving running lanes for Alfred Morris. If a move inside to guard is indeed in the cards, the Redskins will still have a gaping hole at right tackle for the immediate future.

Most Likely Case:

The most likely case for our new linemen is that he is immediately inserted as our new starting right tackle, and gives the Redskins two incredibly talented bookends for the foreseeable future - the first time we will have had this luxury since Jon Jansen left. The combination of Williams and Scherff could potentially give the Redskins two of the best young offensive tackles in the NFL. I think Brandon has the tools to become one of the best right tackles in the NFL. First, he plays with great leverage and knee bend in both the running game and pass protection, making him a virtual brick wall to get through. Second, he is an above average athlete for a man who is 6'5" and almost 320 pounds. He's been coached well from a technique standpoint, and his strength, footwork and solid hands make him a force on the outside. Finally, Scherff has an extremely diligent work ethic, and will bust his hump to hone his craft and own the position. Failure is not in his vocabulary.

Regardless of which scenario plays out, the addition of Brandon Scherff gives the Redskins offensive line a much needed infusion of talent, youth, size, strength, nastiness and attitude. For these reasons, we should all be very pleased with the selection Scot made.