Washington Redskins: Brandon Scherff a great addition

By Andrew Long | Apr 30, 2015

The Washington Redskins and general manager Scot McCloughan continue to rebuild their roster from the trenches outward. They’ve added several pieces to their defensive line in free agency, and have now added to their offensive line by selecting a big, nasty offensive tackle in Brandon Scherff with the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.

He measures in at 6-5, 319 pounds and has the power necessary to drive defenders backwards. Some scouts and writers have him listed as a possible guard, but I believe that he has the potential and skill set to start pretty much anywhere along the offensive line. I foresee the Redskins slotting him at right tackle to create a bookend tandem with Trent Williams to protect Robert Griffin III.

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Personally, I love the pick. The Redskins have long needed to upgrade the right side of their offensive line and this pick does exactly that – regardless of whether or not they play him at guard or tackle. His muscular frame allows him to hold his own in the trenches, and often leads to him pushing defenders off of their mark at the point of impact.

His game isn’t all based on power, though. A large part of his production comes from his ability to recognize what opposing defenders are trying to do; whether it’s a spin move, swim move or bull rush, Scherff is quick at reading the defenders. With that being said, he’s not a finished product in the passing game.

He can undoubtedly hold his own, and can sometimes even surprise you with the amount of push and power he exerts, but he still needs to improve this area of his game. Where he does shine, though, is in the running game. If he’s average or slightly above average as a pass blocker, he has to be considered very good, or even great as a run blocker.

“We want big, tough, nasty, strong guys,” McCloughan said in a pre-draft news conference. “I want this team when they go out, when you get done playing the Washington Redskins, you know you’re playing them. You’re going to feel it. I want those guys. We get late in the year and playoff runs and cold weather and nasty games and field conditions, you need to be able to run the football.”

Scherff brings that exact kind of play and mentality to the table. He’s able to keep his legs churning and create space for his runners. His legs are big and thick, which allows him be an excellent power run blocker – which is exactly what McCloughan and Jay Gruden want from their offensive linemen moving forward.

His ability as a run blocker isn’t based solely on his strength, though. He also possesses the agility and quickness to move laterally throughout the trenches. At 5.05 seconds, Scherff clocked the best 40-yard dash time among the offensive linemen at the 2015 NFL combine.

All-in-all, I believe that the Washington Redskins made a great decision by drafting Brandon Scherff. He’ll supply them with a player that can start from day one. He’s solid in the passing game, and an absolute beast as a run blocker. Redskins players and fans alike should be very happy about this addition.

Next: Washington Redskins: Second round draft targets

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