In the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, with viable cornerbacks and tight ends left on the board, the Washington Redskins turned some heads when they selected center, Keith Ismael, out of San Diego State.
With Chase Roullier already a solid asset at the center position in Washington, this was initially a confusing draft pick simply because it seemed that the team was selecting a backup from the start. However, as more people have dug into what Ismael can bring to the table, some questions about his starting have viability have risen as well.
According to Jim Nagy, Executive Director of the Senior Bowl, he wouldn’t be surprised to see the rookie compete with Roullier for the starting spot.
“If (Roullier) has just been solid, I would expect Keith to compete for that starting job,” Nagy told The Athletic. “Keith can probably help (in a pinch) at guard, but he’s a starting-level NFL center. I have no doubt about that. He’s a better player than a lot of guys starting in the league that I’ve scouted. I thought that was one of Washington’s better picks. He’s quick. He’s athletic. He’s really tough. Strong hands.”
With offensive line coach John Matsko starting his first year in Washington, he will have a chance to get fresh eyes on all players, which may level the playing field a bit for the rookie. While Roullier may have served as a solid option for the past couple of years, the Redskins obviously like what they got in the fifth-round in the draft, and I bet they will be keen to see what he can do on the field as well.
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