Phil Sears USATODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins had a first round pick this year for the first time since 2012, and with multiple needs any player they selected with the fifth overall pick would have been the right choice. New general manager Scot McCloughan had professed taking the best player available, and he appears to have done just that by taking Iowa offensive tackle Brandon Scherff. Scherff made 36 starts for the Hawkeyes during his career and he won the 2014 Outland Trophy, which is given each year to the nation’s top offensive lineman.
Some analysts feel that Scherff’s long-term NFL future is at guard. He has drawn comparisons to Steve Hutchinson, who was a seven-time Pro Bowler over 12 seasons in the league as a left guard. Others think Scherff can make it as a tackle, either on the left or right side, so if nothing else his potential versatility has to be appealing to the Redskins.
Trent Williams has been a steady presence at left tackle for Washington over his five seasons, and even though he is entering the final year of his contract it would be surprising if he doesn’t get a lucrative extension after being selected for the last three Pro Bowls. Scherff could easily be the Redskins’ starting left guard immediately, and if for some reason Williams is not re-signed he could move over the left tackle after that.
Washington allowed the second-most sacks in the league last season (58), so they needed a talent upgrade at every offensive line spot outside of Williams. Scherff is an excellent start to fortifying that unit further, whatever position he lands at as a rookie and beyond that. The Redskins have taken a big step toward helping quarterback Robert Griffin III turn his career around, while also giving a needed boost to their Alfred Morris-led rush offense that disappointed last season.
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
