Position Overview: Right Tackle
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The Washington Redskins offensive line was small, and often overpowered in 2013. This cannot be argued. However, Rich Tandler recently wrote a fantastic article about how fans often “Overrate” needs in the draft.
This could not be more true, and no need is more overrated than right tackle position. Before Redskins fan’s start hunting me down, I do acknowledge that the Redskins could upgrade over current starting right tackle Tyler Polumbus.
However, new head coach Jay Gruden has stated that he saw some solid play out of Polumbus in 2013, and I agree with Gruden that Polumbus didn’t play nearly as bad as most fans like to think he did.
What most fans forget is that Polumbus was also part of the 2012 Redskins offensive line unit that played very well. What was the biggest difference between the 2012 and 2013 offensive line? A healthy RGIII. The dynamic dual-threat quarterback froze defense and kept them on their heels throughout the 2012 season.
This effects more positions than fans realize, most importantly the offensive line. RGIII’s athletic ability gives the offensive line an advantage over the pass rush from the start of the play. In 2012 defenses had to try to contain Griffin, which isn’t an easy task. In 2013 defensive pass rush could attack Griffin rather than just try to contain him, due to the fact that he clearly wasn’t 100% and didn’t play like himself. The defenses ability to pin its ears back and rush the quarterback full force puts the offensive line in a bad spot throughout 2013.
With Griffin now over a year removed from knee surgery, and with a full offseason to prepare rather than rehab, Griffin should look more like his 2012 rookie of the year self next season. The Quarterbacks tutor Terry Shea recently said of Griffin that: “He looked 100% healthy.” This should be music to Redskins fan’s ears.
With Griffin returning to health, along with an improved offense in general, the Redskins offense could be even more dangerous in 2014 than it was in 2012. This will help make the offensive line look and perform better, including Polumbus if he does indeed start in 2014.
Just to reiterate, the Redskins offensive line could still improve at the right guard and tackle spots. If the Redskins find a quality tackle in the draft, and he is the best player available, it would be a quality pick and provide at the least competition for Polumbus. However, fans that demand a tackle with pick 34 may fall under the category of “overrating” the need for it.
