Washington Redskins: Bill Callahan excited about Shawn Lauvao?

The Washington Redskins had one glaring hole after the draft: left guard. They filled it by re-signing the oft-injured Shawn Lauvao.

Heading into the offseason, the Washington Redskins had some glaring needs on both sides of the ball. After a strong NFL draft, the Redskins addressed some needs across the defensive line. One spot, though, that wasn’t addressed in the draft or free agency was left guard.

So, after the draft when all the top free-agent options had dried up, the Redskins turned to their former left guard, Shawn Lauvao, to fill the position in 2018. Lauvao has been Washington’s starter at left guard over the last four years. He missed time due to injuries and when he played, he was merely average. You’d think Washington could’ve found an upgrade.

Don’t tell that to esteemed offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who is thrilled to have Lauvao back in D.C., per Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post.

"It’s not what I like, it’s [what] I love. I love him. He’s a warrior, he’s a veteran. He’s well prepared. More than that, in the room, in the locker room, in the weight room, you watch him practice and he’s a very contentious pro. He’s a pro’s pro. He’s a consummate pro in that respect. He does everything you want him to do. He works hard. He studies. He knows the game. He can teach the young guys. We really benefited from him coming back."

You can say these are the words of a coach trying to build the confidence of a player no one wanted. That includes the Redskins. Lauvao was only brought back once it was known that presumed starter, Arie Kouandjio, would miss the season. For whatever it’s worth, Kouandjio wasn’t the answer, either. This is one area where Washington’s front office failed to address in a busy offseason.

Back to Callahan, his words indicate he has a strong confidence in what Lauvao brings to his offensive line. With offensive tackles Trent Williams and Morgan Moses recovering from offseason surgeries, and Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff already in place, this team has the makings of a good offensive line. Both Williams and Moses appear they’ll be 100 percent for training camp.

However, former center Spencer Long left in the offseason and signed with the New York Jets and second-year man Chase Roullier replaces him. So, it’s possible Washington could struggle at two spots along the line this season. Roullier excited coaches last season, but he’s still a young player.

Next: NFL 2018: Each team's best offseason move

Washington signed Lauvao to start in 2018. Don’t bet on him finishing the season as a starter, though. The Redskins hope one of a host of young bodies assumes the position at some point this fall.