2022 Roster Review – Offensive Tackles
May 13, 2022
By Noonefromtampa
This is the first part of a two-part review covering the offensive line. In this column, the focus will be on the offensive tackle position.
The Washington Commanders will probably keep ten offensive linemen on the final 53-man roster and 2 to 4 more on the practice squad (depending on what structure the league and NFLPA agree on if they feel the need for any COVID-19 contingency planning). The offensive line should be a strength for this team, and for Carson Wentz to be effective they need to perform well during the course of the season.
The offensive line coaching staff is led by John Matsko, a 30-year veteran coach who is considered one of the league’s best offensive line coaches. Travelle Wharton, who has 17 years of coaching experience, is the assistant offensive line coach. This team has done an excellent job preparing players for games – despite numerous injuries last season, they kept the unit performing at a high level through various player personnel lineups.
The breakdown grouping for this group is departures, starters, key backups and those players competing for a roster spot. The tackle position group returns four key players.
Departures
David Steinmetz was a fringe player who was mainly on the practice squad for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He played a total of five snaps on offense and special teams last season. His departure will not be a major factor this season.
Starters
Charles Leno Jr. will be the starting left tackle, having signed a new three-year deal for $37.5M back in January. Leno had a good season last year, starting all 17 games, playing 99.5% of all offensive snaps after being a late free agent signee following his release from the Bears. Leno’s level of play was solid – Leno he did give up six sacks but only committed one penalty.
Samuel Cosmi, last year’s second round pick from University of Texas, started only 9 games at right tackle due to injuries. As with any second-year player, there is hope that his play improves as he settles into the pro game. He gave up four sacks and committed two penalties.
Key Backups
Saahdiq Charles is entering his third year with the team and will be only 23 years old entering the season. He proved to be decent pinch starter last season filling in at tackle when Cosmi was injured and at guard when Brandon Scherff was on the COVID-19 list. A player being able to play multiple spots on the line is a great trait for a backup. He played 22.5% of the offensive snaps last season.
Cornelius Lucas was re-signed to a two-year contract in March and figures to fill the all-important swing tackle position capable of playing both left and right tackle. Lucas started seven games, played 52% of offensive snaps and gave up three sacks.
Competing for a Roster Spot
Tyrese Robinson is an undrafted free agent from the University of Oklahoma who finished his collegiate career at right tackle. He also played guard in college. Robinson, who stands 6’3” and weighs 317 pounds, is essentially competing for a spot on the practice squad where he will get a chance to develop and improve his skills. His versatility on the offensive line is most likely what attracted Washington to him.
Wrap-Up
While this is a solid group, I would not be surprised if the Commanders added another tackle with some level of experience going into training camp. A schedule of 17 games makes for a long season and injuries will happen.