Washington Redskins Interested in Demetrius Bell and Eric Winston

The Washington Post has reported that the Redskins met yesterday with Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Demetrius Bell and have also declared an interest in recently released lineman Eric Winston.

This news could hopefully mark the start of a much-needed retooling of the offensive line. Landing either one of these gifted tackles would be a major boost for Washington's ailing front five.

Winston is a perfect scheme fit after becoming an unfortunate cap casualty of the Houston Texans. The 6'7", 302-pounder played in a zone blocking system with the AFC South champions.

Winston would be a major upgrade on current Redskins' starter Jammal Brown, who has disappointed during two seasons in D.C. Brown has been plagued by injury, but Winston has not missed a game in the last five seasons.

The 28-year-old is a skilled technician who has the quickness and athleticism to combat dangerous NFC East edge rushers like Justin Tuck and Jason Babin.

Bell is a very intriguing prospect for the Redskins. He has operated at left tackle for the Buffalo Bills and produced a series of accomplished performances in 2010 and 2011.

However, the Redskins already have Trent Williams at left tackle and have invested a lot in the fourth overall pick from the 2010 draft. Williams has played right tackle in the past at the collegiate level, and Bell's arrival could see the youngster shift over to solve the issues on the right side.

Another alternative could see Bell move inside to left guard. A former basketball player in high school and college, Bell has the athleticism and range to make this kind of switch work.

The 27-year-old has had injury problems and missed nine games last season. Yet when healthy, Bell is a solid and refined blocker, particularly in pass protection.

At 6'5," 311 pounds and possessing good quickness and footwork, Bell would fit nicely in Washington's zone-based scheme. Pairing Bell and Williams on the left side would certainly strengthen the blindside protection for projected top draft choice Robert Griffin III.

NFL.com has stated that the Arizona Cardinals are also interested in Bell, while Washington faces competition from the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams for Winston.

Shanahan and Bruce Allen have gone for solid targets with plenty of upside, so far during free agency. However, the Redskins have yet to focus on reinforcing their porous front five.

Adding one or both of these two talented tackles would be a great way to wrap up a fruitful period of spending.