Redskins position group breakdown: Offensive Guard and Center
July 5, 2018
by Jamual Forrest
Since the hiring of offensive line coach Bill Callahan in early 2015, the Washington Redskins have had one of the better units in the league over that time. However, the weakest point of the offensive line has always been its interior, specifically left guard. In 2017, the Redskins entire line was injured and used a multitude of bodies to fill in at that spot throughout the season. The alpha of the group is four-year pro Brandon Scherff. Scherff has been considered amongst the best interior guards in the NFL for each season outside of his rookie year, and he is likely heading into a big payday once his rookie contract expires. Since Scherff was a first round draft pick, the Redskins held a fifth year option on him, which they picked up back in April.
The wild card at this position is Shawn Lauvao, who was brought back after the draft to help fill in the need for depth and a possible starting role. Lauvao has not been impressive in his four years with Washington. Injuries and sub-par performances have highlighted his tenure with the Redskins. However, the continuity with him and the other players amongst the line has paid off throughout the years and he has been an adequate performer when healthy. Of each of the other choices the Redskins have on the roster, it is likely that Shawn will be the best option available following training camp and pre-season.
Lauvao’s competition will likely come from Tyler Catalina and Ty Nsekhe, who are both lacking experience at the position but will have a chance leading into the regular season to earn the starting nod at left guard. Nsekhe, 32, has been a swing tackle for the Redskins since 2015 and is one of the better backup offensive tackles in the NFL. Head coach Jay Gruden mentioned the possibility of Nsekhe playing guard this upcoming season due to the lack of experience on the roster and a glaring hole at the position itself. It may be all smoke, but if it is not, you can expect Nsekhe to put up a solid fight for the starting guard role. Catalina is a second year pro who has had just a brief period of playing time in the regular season. Catalina is expected to compete against Lauvao for the starting role despite only having played in four games in 2017.
With the departure of Spencer Long, Chase Roullier, who is entering his second season, has become the team’s established long-term center. Roullier is still on his rookie contract, so he remains a bargain for the team.
The performance expectations of the left guard/center combination are not very high given the situation Washington currently has. The group is not as strong it was in 2015 and 2016, and now faces question marks if healthy and consistent play is not available at the interior positions. The Redskins will have their hands full with interior pressure if the problems of 2017 persist in the new season.