Recently, the Cowboys and Eagles have set the pace in the NFC East with quality offensive line play. This offseason, the Giants and Redskins aimed to close that gap. The 2015 season may very well mark the return of old-school offensive football in the NFC East.

*We credit Pro Football Focus, STATS and Football Outsiders in assessment of past performances in the offensive linemen outlined below

Washington Redskins

The Redskins undertook the process of reshaping the offensive line upon the arrival of head coach Jay Gruden in 2014. In the prior year’s draft, the team didn’t touch a single a lineman. But, since then, they’ve drafted four highly rated prospects.

After an average performance by the offensive line in 2014, where all we can remember is RG3 running for his life and Kirk Cousins throwing a thousand interceptions, it’s time for that youth to be infused into the starting lineup. Youngsters Brandon Scherff, Spencer Long, Arie Kouandjio, and Morgan Moses will all be expected to contribute over the course of the upcoming season.

Currently, there are questions at the guards and at right tackle. Both issues will quickly be resolved with this new stable of talent. It’s going to be a young group anchored by the left tackle and center positions. Assistant coaching acquisition Bill Callahan – who worked wonders with first and second-year players in Dallas over the last few seasons – will bring the potential out of this unit quickly. Second-year player, Morgan Moses, will be one of the more interesting players to watch as he returns from injury after struggling in limited action at left tackle as a rookie.

As the Cowboys have done so successfully, and as the Giants have attempted to replicate- the Redskins have made the clear personnel decision to construct their offensive line through the NFL Draft, not free agency. They are quietly putting together a very young and talented group. One that makes us say “not so fast, Philly” as Washington will challenge to be the second-best line in the NFC East over the next few seasons.

Projected Starting Lineup

Trent Williams, LT 6’5″ 337 pounds- We still can’t believe Goodell called him the Silverback when he was drafted fourth-overall in 2010, the truth is his measurables support the claim. Annually a Top 5 LT who is entering a contract year and is a cornerstone of the franchise.

Shawn Lauvao, LG 6’3″ 315 pounds- Graded as a low-end starter over 15 starts in 2014. Will be pushed by Arie Kouandjio and Morgan Moses who are both very intriguing guard prospects with upside.

Kory Lichtensteiger, C 6’2″ 296 pounds- Has improved annually. Blossomed as a Top 10 center following a position switch last season and a leader of this unit.

Spencer Long, RG 6’5″ 311 pounds- Third-round pick in 2014 who was physical and quick at Nebraska. He excels in a phone booth in run and pass-protection. Only played 18 snaps as a rookie but is tough and ready to play guard in NFL.

Brandon Scherff, RT 6’5″ 319 pounds- NFL draft expert Mike Loykos No.1 overall offensive line prospect in 2015 NFL Draft, Loyko says “Brandon Scherff is a country-strong blocker with good technique. Scherff’s biggest strength is his ability to drive-block. He’s able to generate a surge on first contact and easily drive defenders off the ball or steer them out of holes. He has enough mobility to pull or trap across the formation. Scherff struggles with speed rushers and is susceptible to explosive counter moves. More dominant as a run blocker than pass blocker at this time. Scherff has starter-potential at Left Tackle, but All-Pro upside as a Left Guard. He’s a plug-and-play offensive lineman.”

Notes-

The Redskins line will be an interesting one to see develop in the coming years. It has the opportunity to be dominant. Ideally, Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses will develop as some type of talented tackle / guard combo. They would provide the positional versatility that could make this group special a la Zack Martin’s value to Dallas. If not, the Skins are prepared with Kouandjio and Long. This unit will continue to evolve through a sort of natural selection over the next few seasons – ensuring a bright future.

It’s good news for Alfred Morris in redraft leagues, and rookie Matt Jones in dynasty formats. It’s also a decent scenario for whichever quarterback (or quarterbacks) play this year, as pass protection should be improved. Obviously, anything that will benefit the quarterback should trickle down to wide receiver and tight end production across the board. Pierre Garcon needs increased stability at the QB position if he has any chance to re-emerge to anywhere near his gaudy league-leading 2013 reception totals.

Backups Josh LeRibeus and Tom Compton were lackluster in limited action last season, but provide a nice mixture of depth for this unit in combination with youngsters Arie Kouandjio and Morgan Moses. The ‘Skins could survive an injury to the starting unit and still field a respectable front line.