Redskins Position Group Breakdown: Offensive Tackles
The tackle position for Washington is easily a top 5 duo in the league. 3rd year starter Morgan Moses is at right tackle, and 8 year starter and Pro Football Focus’s and Sporting News 1st Team All-Pro Trent Williams is at left tackle.
Trent Williams, play-wise, is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro. He showed his versatility as an offensive lineman, playing not only at tackle but at guard in spots where Redskins guard Shawn Lauvao was injured. Williams’ exceptional agility and acceleration for a big man was on display multiple times last year as he was used a lot on screens. As a guard or tackle he had to reach the second and third level of defenders, linebackers and defensive backs, to spring the ball carrier loose.
What’s been lingering with Trent Williams are the concerns of marijuana usage and nagging injuries. Trent was battling injuries in the first 8 games of his 2016 dominant campaign, though played through them. The suspension was untimely for the team but timely for the tackle, as he came back after his 4 game suspension refreshed and healthier than most during a late-season playoff push. The marijuana concern is a legit concern, as another failed drug test will result in a 1 year suspension for Trent.
Morgan Moses is rising up in the league as one of the better right tackles in the NFL, and was rewarded as such with a 5-year extension worth $38.5 million, making him the 2nd highest paid at his position. While he struggles at times in the run game in driving defenders off the ball, he’s excelled in pass protection which is just as valuable in modern day football. Moses, 26, is still young and can improve on his deficiencies at the position so his ceiling has not yet been reached.
Ty Nsekhe is arguably the most valuable backup in the league at his position. Nsekhe, 31, is only a 3-year pro in the NFL but has an extensive background in the Arena Football League. He’s a swing tackle who can play both left tackle and right tackle, and play it at a very high level at that. Nsekhe even had time at tight end for Washington this past season, providing a heavy formation when the team needed to get the tough yards. During Trent Williams’ 4 game suspension he took over the left tackle position where he faced up against the likes of Everson Griffen, Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, and Chandler Jones, who were all premier pass rushers in 2016. Nsekhe signed his exclusive rights tender in March, keeping him in Washington for another year.
The key with for this group in 2017 is staying healthy, as Moses and Williams have battled nagging injuries throughout their careers. Outside of Nsekhe the position lacks experience, and can’t afford for both the starters to miss the lineup at the same time. However the overall position group is versatile, as all three can be used on the same play, creating a favorable matchup in the run game, or max protection in a 3 man route or 4 with a running back. It’s by far one of the strongest positions for the Redskins.
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