Washington Redskins Roster Review: Offensive Line

Jack Anderson by Senior Analyst Written on July 10, 2009
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 27:  The Washington Redskins offensive line sets for the snap of the ball during the fourth quarter of their game against the Dallas Cowboys in the third week of the NFL season at FedEx Field September 27, 2004 in Landover, Maryland.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
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The backup offensive linemen are a concern. Rabach, Thomas, and Samuels are all older than 30, and so a lack of quality depth means they will have to play at an extremely high level.

Chad Rinehart was drafted last year to play guard and he flopped in his rookie campaign. Despite all the injuries to the line in 2008, Rinehart didn't even dress for a single game, which coaches attributed to his inability to adapt to the professional level.

In year two, Rinehart is a work in progress and we won't see how far he has come along until the preseason begins.

Devin Clark saw some action last year late in the season after playing with the practice squad. He played some tackle, but his role is uncertain as of now.

The same can be said for D'Anthony Batiste, Rueben Riley, Will Montgomery, Scott Burley, and Edwin Williams. None of these players has seen game action with the 'Skins and both Burley and Williams are rookies.

Like Heyer, Burley and Williams went undrafted out of Maryland. Burley played both left and right tackle for the the Terps while Williams played center.

Williams might end up being quite a find for the Redskins who are in need of a backup center. Williams played in all 13 games last year for Maryland and was a first team All-ACC selection.

Overall Grade: C+

This year's edition of Bugel's "Dirtbags" is nothing to write home about. The pass protection will be a real concern on the right side and if Thomas struggles the running game will only see consistent success from the left.

The addition of Dockery was a good move as he should bring his game back to the level he played at in 2005.

Even if everyone stays healthy this won't be a great offensive line. They don't match up in the trenches against New York, Dallas, or Philly which is a big problem. The division has such talent defensively that it will be tough for the Redskins O-line to take the pounding week in and week out.

They are just too old and feature almost no quality depth.

However, the running game will see a boost. Having Dockery and Thomas pulling out in front of a back opens up the ground game. If that takes off, then 'Skins might be able to really get into a rhythm and make the most of Portis' efforts.

Next we move onto the defense...

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Who Will Win The Starting Right Tackle Job?

  • Stephon Heyer
  • Jeremy Bridges
  • Mike Wiliams
  • Other
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Who Will Win The Starting Right Tackle Job?

  • Stephon Heyer

    53.8%
  • Jeremy Bridges

    1.9%
  • Mike Wiliams

    42.3%
  • Other

    1.9%
  • Total votes: 52
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written on July 10, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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