Commanders O-Line Improves, But Massive Upgrades Still Needed

The Washington Commanders have made a host of free agent signings, but the offensive line still needs more improvement.

The Washington Commanders have hit free agency with a running start, signing up a host of players to help improve the roster.

While Bobby Wagner, Dorance Armstrong, and Co. have been signed to fortify the defense, Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti have been signed to help one of the worst offensive lines in football last season improve.

Sam Howell was sacked 65 times last season (second-most in the NFL), and it appears that Dan Quinn and Co have recognized the need for the line to be improved.

With Allegretti and Biadasz already coming in, ESPN's John Keim still has the offensive line as the unit with the biggest holes.

Sam Cosmi

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"Offensive tackle," Keim wrote. "Cornerback would be another easy one, but Washington needs to be able to protect the rookie quarterback it will presumably draft. The Commanders cut left tackle Charles Leno Jr., and they lack a replacement on the roster. Fortunately for them, the draft is deep at this position."

The Commanders clearly need a left tackle, and while there are some in the upcoming draft, free agency could be a pool to dip into. 

Donovan Smith, D.J. Humphries, Andrus Peat, and Mekhi Becton are all available, but it remains to be seen if the Commanders will want to part ways with a decent salary prior to the draft.

Washington has the No. 2 overall pick, which many think the franchise will take a quarterback with, but after that, the Commanders don't have a pick until the second round (36).

Given the talent pool in the draft, the Commanders could easily pick up a tackle to slot into the offensive line. Jordan Morgan, Tyler Guyton, Graham Barton, Kingsley Suamataia, and Kiran Amegadjie loom at the bottom of the first round, early second-round projections, so Washington could, in theory, grab a tackle in the draft.

But either way, the Commanders need to solidify their offensive line, as the franchise has done a good job in free agency of making moves to improve the roster; now, there is just one more position it has to strengthen.

And it's a position that can determine the success of their new rookie quarterback.