The Hog Sty’s 2019 Redskins Draft Preview: Interior Offensive Line Part Two

For a few seasons now, the Redskins have merely “made due” with what they had at center and left guard positions on the offensive line. Shawn Lauvao was often injured throughout his five seasons as a Redskin, former Redskin Spencer Long played out his rookie contract but had potential, retired Redskin Kory Lichtensteiger was serviceable but often injured, and Chase Roullier is still finding his way at center. In-between all those individuals listed? A myriad of injuries have taken place amongst the offensive line that created over a dozen starting five combinations with journeyman free agents filling in. The Redskins need stability at left guard and possibly center. I will not act as if offensive line analysis is my forte, but this is what the options for Washington look like. See our previous write-up here.

Cody Ford (22-years old) – Oklahoma, 6’4, 329 lbs

For 6’4 329 pounds, the analyst loves his size/athleticism combination. He has the tools and experience to be a versatile offensive lineman, and if Morgan Moses or Trent Williams were to fall due to injury, Ford would be able to kick outside and play at the tackle position. Ford is a physical offensive lineman that would pair up well with Brandon Scherff, and contribute to what the Redskins want to build up front. His quickness is well desired in the run game and can get off the football at a reasonable amount of quickness.

Although he is known for his attributes in the run game, Ford has to improve in his pass protection. Ford tends to play impatiently when facing speed rushers and has to play under control when dropping back in pass sets or even when late off the snap.

Overall, Cody Ford is a first-round prospect and worth of that consideration. Ford is an excellent run-blocking guard who needs to develop more as a pass protector; nonetheless, he will immediately improve the Redskins offensive line woes that have plagued the Redskins at left guard for some time now. The physicality and experience he brings playing at a premier school who averaged over 245 yards per game on the ground make him consideration in the first round for Washington. At pick number 15? Maybe not due to his position, but if there is a trade back that takes place on draft day, it is a viable option.

Michael Deiter (Age N/A) – Wisconsin, 6’5, 309 lbs

Michael is a versatile lineman that has experience at guard, center, and tackle, so he can play spot duties at tackle of Trent Williams, or Morgan Moses was to fall due to injury as well. Deiter possesses the desired burst to play at the guard position in the NFL too, along with the playing strength to handle individual assignments on the interior. Compared to Ford, he plays under more control in the sense of his patience and technique, which works in his favor in both the run and pass game.

Though Deiter has the strength in his toolbox, he has to improve against the stronger defenders. Deiter has shown vulnerabilities in his positioning when facing those type of defenders. Deiter has to improve his ability to protect against quicker defenders through his footwork, which is the primary reason behind all of his concerns.

Deiter is an adequate offensive lineman that can become a solid building block for the Redskins future. He seems to be of great value if available mid-third or later, and should be an option for Washington at that point. I believe Deiter has what it takes to improve upon his weaknesses through offensive line coach Bill Callahan and develop into a quality offensive lineman. He is a technical player that wins more often than not with his smarts and would be a good fit in Washington.

Chuma Edoga (21-years old) – University of Southern California, 6’3, 308 lbs

Chuma Edoga is guard prospect most desired for his athletic ability for his size. He has above average quickness and length that gives him the versatility to play both outside and along the interior. His speed also gives him the advantage against the quicker defensive lineman he will go up against in the NFL. Edoga has displayed the awareness that will allow him to adjust on the fly with respect to his assignments and responsibilities on the field. Edoga’s agility allows an offense to use him in a variety of schemes, which can help Washington as they use multiple run schemes under head coach Jay Gruden.

Has to improve in his pass protection, both from a technical standpoint and timeliness. He does not play with the desired power, but that can be improved upon as he develops on the pro-level. Does not play with the physicality as Ford or Deiter and may be an issue against defenders with decent power.

Edoga is another solid prospect worth considering in the later rounds for Washington. He has the tools to become one of the more utilized offensive linemen in the NFL with proper development. His mobility, speed, and quickness is a desired trait for most NFL offensive lineman; however, functional strength is something he must improve upon quick if he wants to be a serviceable starter in the NFL. Power rushers may have their way with him if his strengths do not immediately translate to the pro level.

Chris Lindstrom (Age N/A) – Boston College, 6’4, 308 lbs

Like Edoga, Lindstrom is one of the better athletic interior lineman coming into the NFL this year. He also has the playing experience at both the tackle and guard position. Chris displays the potential to be utilized in a multitude of ways, including playing in space as a downfield blocker. He is a solid pass-blocker with the ability to handle a variety of pass-rushers, both power, and speed. His awareness is a great trait that will also take him a long way and will help his development as a starting guard.

His leverage tends to get in the way of his ability to win consistently; he must find a way to improve in that aspect. He does not have the desired length, which contributes to his ability to deliver the bigger blow in his matchups along with finishing blocks on a consistent level. Must improve his playing strength to handle the bigger defensive linemen in the NFL.

Lindstrom is an exciting prospect in this years draft that has the desired traits for the ever-evolving NFL and the future of the game, which is playing in space. Jay Gruden can use a player like Lindstrom in his attempts to utilize his quicker offensive weapons like Jordan Reed, Chris Thompson, and Paul Richardson. His strength is not a significant issue coming into the NFL, and should not be an issue as he grows as a professional. Lindstrom is a guard that will likely be looked at in the late second to mid-third rounds, Washington has two third-round picks that can likely be used for a player like Chris.