NFL Rumors: Redskins to get big offensive linemen
By Jeff Adcox
When new coaches land with new NFL teams they are often working with players that fit the philosophies of their predecessor rather than their own. The Washington Redskins are a good example under first-year coach Jay Gruden.
Former coach Mike Shanahan has been a long time proponent of a zone blocking scheme that values lighter, more athletic offensive lineman. But that’s not what Gruden was used to last year with the Cincinnati Bengals.
NFL Network analyst Charlie Casserly recently spoke on ESPN 980 about about the offensive style shift for the Redskins and what it might mean for their free agent strategy.
"“The body types in Cincinnati for their offensive line are radically different than the body types that Mike Shanahan had with his offensive line, so I think right tackle and guard are big needs for them and I think they will look to go hard there first,” Casserly said."
Free agents Jared Veldheer of the Oakland Raiders and Branden Albert of the Kansas City Chiefs are the two best tackles that have the weight that Gruden may be looking for. The Redskins could have the cap space to go after one of these two players, but it would eat up a large portion of their offseason budget.