Rich Tandler of NBC Sports Washington wonders whether the Redskins‘ starting left guard for 2018 might already be on their roster.
At the moment, Arie Kouandjio looks to be the team’s projected starter at the position. He was Washington’s fourth-round pick in the 2015 draft and was cut prior to last season, only to be signed to the team’s practice squad mid-season, appearing in eight games (six starts). He allowed three sacks in those eight appearances, though.
Along with Kouandjio, the team re-signed guard Tony Bergstrom, 31, last week. He appeared in nine games at center for the Redskins last season, starting three.
The answer at left guard for the Redskins in 2018 may ultimately be decided through the draft, though. Tandler notes that the team has been linked to Ohio State center Billy Price in the second round. Veteran guard Alex Boone is also still unsigned.
Here’s more from around the NFC East:
- The Redskins have also been in contact with free-agent guard Shawn Lauvao, according to ESPN’s John Keim. Injuries limited Lauvao to nine starts at left guard for Washington last season. The 30-year-old started 14 games at the position for the Redskins in 2016.
- Ryan Dunleavy of NJ Advanced Media looks into the possibility of the Giants picking someone other than Sam Darnold or Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick of the upcoming draft. Dunleavy notes that reports have indicated that the team is deciding between the two, depending on whom the Browns go with at No. 1. North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb or Notre Dame Guard Quenton Nelson could also be options. Dunleavy points out the draft is light on pass-rushers and Giants general manager Dave Gettleman didn’t seem to be scared off by the idea of taking a guard that high. “Is it ever too early to take a great player? You know my philosophy: Big men allow you to compete and you have to build your lines. I’m going to build this team from the inside out,” Gettleman said to Dunleavy.
- Paul Schwartz of the New York Post opines that Mason Rudolph could be an enticing option for the Giants in the second round. He also doesn’t expect the team to take a kicker late in the draft. Aldrick Rosas — an undrafted rookie last season who 18 of 25 field goals and 20 of 23 extra points — is currently projected to start at the position.