Washington Selects a “Big Man On Campus” at 51

Don’t Worry, Offensive Line Help Is Coming

Man oh man I sure do miss Trent Williams right about now. If he was still in the building, the need for his position on the offensive line wouldn’t exist, and the discussion of drafting his replacement in the FIRST or SECOND round would die out. Unfortunately, here we are doing the exact opposite. Williams is en route to becoming the best ever at his left tackle position. And Washington is left with a journeyman at one of the important positions in the sport.

The Washington Football Team has some potential HOF shoes to fill, so what a perfect time to do so with the fast approaching Draft Day.

Where Are They Getting Help From?

This year’s draft class is blessed with a lot of quality QB protectors and run blockers. It’s a reason why the Football Team can be a little more patient and wait until pick 51. I’ve seen some mock drafts have Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond being selected at 51, to develop behind newly acquired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. But I believe the need for protecting the gunslinger is higher on the list at this spot.

The Football Team selected two OL in last years draft. Fourth rounder Saahdiq Charles out of LSU and 5th rounder Keith Ismael out of San Diego State.

 

Charles was picked as a potential left tackle backup. The beginning of his rookie season was derailed by a calf injury. After missing the first five games, he made his season debut week six against the New York Giants. That was short-lived due to suffering a dislocated kneecap, bringing his rookie season to an end.

Ismael was selected as a backup to starting center Chase Roullier. He dressed for a total of eight games for the burgundy and gold, but only logged just 4 total snaps. So in actuality, the Washington Football Team has some already added depth, and signed Cornelius Lucas an off-season ago. But, you can never have too many “hogs” on the line, and Ron Rivera preaches competition.

Both players when healthy should and could provide good depth to the offensive line group, so why not add another big man to the mix to get things poppin’ up front?

John Keim of ESPN recently reported how offensive line help could be a top priority in this year’s draft. In his read, he cites that Head Coach Ron Rivera preached that he doesn’t want to get into times where they can’t protect ‘their guy’.

“Thats something that we’ve got to make sure we can do.”  Rivera said.

 

 FPC’s George Carmi projected OL Christian Darrisaw to be taken at 19. I chose to not include him because lets be honest, he won’t be available at 51. Below are three prospects I like for Washington at the number 51 spot. Let me know what you think! 

We Want All The Smoke

Who: Jalen Mayfield – OT – Michigan – 6’5″ 320 Lbs

PFF Grade: Overall 76.1 – 72.3 run block – 75.5 pass block

“I think Mayfield is a high-level right tackle prospect who could be trained to switch sides and play on the left or, alternatively, be left to continue to grow on the right side. His athletic profile and build wouldn’t hinder him from a transition to guard either”

— Kyle Crabbs, Director of Scouting for thedraftnetwork.com)

Hear Me Out: Let’s start with this. Look at his build. Jalen Mayfield compares favorably to Trent Williams, the former left tackle for the WFT. Mayfield is viewed as a versatile athletic big man, capable of playing both left and right tackle positions. His footwork is considered elite, and being more of a pass blocker fits his style of play. More experts say he’s strong sealing edge defenders, and has very accurate hand placement on opposing linemen.  Lack of experience in college ball could complicate learning in NFL, but having a full offseason in a professional program could benefit the pass protector.

The redshirt sophomore started and played a total of 15 games in the past 2 years while still being projected as a late first round pick. Some of his combine numbers are considered underwhelming for an OL, but Mayfield’s production and noted high IQ of the position should help his case.

And heck, you could say he’s already competed with the NFL elite. In 2019 in his season finale, he was lined up all game against former Ohio State DE Chase Young, WFT ‘s second overall draft pick this past season. Mayfield is claimed to be the only OL to hamper the Predator’s 16.5 sack season.

According to PFF, his 2019 season was his “best”, showcasing his high-level playing ability.

*In 2019, PFF graded Mayfield a 68.8 in pass blocking.  PFF also graded Mayfield as the second best run blocker out of the Power Five right tackles.

Ron Rivera wants to protect the house, so he should at least consider Mayfield. Build him up with a full offseason and then line him up opposite of starting right tackle Morgan Moses. We want all the smoke!

Two Fighting Irishmen In A Row?

WHO:  Liam Eichenberg – OT – Notre Dame 6’6″ 305 Lbs

PFF GRADE: Overall 89.9 – 83.8 pass block – 90.1 run block

“He’s more impactful in the run game than he is in pass protection, but he was rather smooth protecting one of college football’s most unpredictable quarterbacks this past season, too.”

— Kyle Crabbs, Director of Scouting for thedraftnetwork.com

Hear me out: In my previous article, I mentioned the appeal of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah as an elite LB prospect at 19. Would I double dip into the South Bend talent pool for my second round pick? You damn right. This offensive tackle for the Fighting Irish is ready for the next level. Although He doesn’t possess elite explosiveness,  Eichenberg is fundamentally sound with his technique and foot placement. This attention to detail allows Eichenberg to thrive, despite not having the eye popping athletic numbers. Think of how Hall of Famer NBA Pro Tim Duncan use to play. Sound, meticulous and efficient — that is Eichenberg in a nutshell.

Eichenberg is projected as a run blocker, with the ability to create holes, and would fit in a heavy-rushing offense. He’s more than capable of forming double-teams on the next tier, and also sealing the edge. This would add an additional wrinkle to Washington’s run game.

Behind the sixth ranked NFL offensive line in PFF last season, running back Antonio Gibson pounded the rock for nearly 1000 yards and logged 11 touchdowns. All of this came as a rookie. Adding FA WR Curtis Samuel this year brings another run threat to Scott Turner’s unpredictable scheme. During Samuel’s college years and past seasons in Carolina, he was a key weapon out of the backfield as a RB. The Washington Football Team’s offense may not be as run heavy this season. However, the run now becomes more versatile with Samuel’s arrival.

So, adding depth to Turner’s run-blocking schemes would clearly be a beneficial move.  Yes this years draft class for OL is deep, but Rivera and Co. shouldn’t wait to the last minute based on that fact alone.

The following stats are worth taking a look.

2019 Season Played Snaps (according to PFF)

845 total played snaps – 496 pass block snaps – ZERO sacks allowed with 3 QB hits and 9 QB hurries

2020 Season Played Snaps (according to PFF)

834 total played snaps – 455 pass block snaps – ZERO sacks allowed 1 QB and 14 QB hurries

As shown above, Eichenberg hasn’t allowed a sack since September 2018 against Stanford–meaning 33 consecutive games with no sacks. In addition to his run-blocking, I suspect he can develop into a formidable pass protector on the next level. He started 38 straight games for Notre Dame at the left tackle position.

This stellar play earned the offensive tackle the Jacobs Blocker award, which is the ACC nod for best blocker in the conference. Pick Liam Eichenberg, two Irishmen in a row!

Cowboy, Baby

WHO: Teven Jenkins – OT – Oklahoma State 6’6″ 320 Lbs

PFF Grade: Overall 92.0 – 76.3 pass block – 93.6 run block

“A quick setter that’s prone to take horizontal pass sets, he’s created a habit of establishing quick wins by striking his hands and controlling defenders. A well above average finisher, Jenkins is the type of offensive lineman that attempts to humiliate players in the opposite color jersey.”

— Kyle Crabbs, Director of Scouting for thedraftnetwork.com

Hear me out: If you ain’t down with that, I got two words for ya. Triple. Threat. Teven Jenkins, the giant that he is, took snaps at the right guard spot, left tackle spot, and right tackle spot. Most action of his career for the Cowboys came at the right tackle position. Yet, over the last two seasons he did start six games total at left tackle, and threw in some games at guard at the start of his college career.

2019 Season Played Snaps (according to PFF)

864 total offensive snaps – 412 pass block snaps – ZERO sacks allowed with 7 QB hurries

2020 SEASON – Played Snaps – (according to PFF)

448 total offensive snaps – 211 pass block snaps – ZERO sacks allowed with 2 QB hits and 2 QB hurries

Remember Mortal Kombat “Finish Him”? That’s exactly what Jenkins does to his opposition. He is known throughout the Big 12 conference for finishing his blocks pancake style and tossing the opposition out of play. This evidence came on a snap against Texas Longhorn future pro pass rusher Joseph Assai, driving him out of bounds clearly after the play is whistled dead.

Just a complete mauler, Teven Jenkins can provide Washington some nastiness in the trenches. Although he has tendencies of taking inadequate angles while run blocking, I’m confident he can be developed. He also suffers in the flexibility department, and sometimes struggles to get good hand placement on speedy pass rushers. However, these cons he possesses aren’t anything to freak out about, and can be fixed with the right coaching system. It’s highly unlikely Jenkins will available for the Football Team in the 2nd round at 51, but it’s the NFL Draft, I’ve seen crazier things. So if he’s there, draft the Oklahoma State Cowboy, baby.

Check Out the Latest from Full Press Coverage Washington:

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