Tag: Saahdiq Charles

6 Commanders players who need a strong showing in training camp

These players need a strong showing in training to either win starting positions or make the roster.

Training camp is here. For the Washington Commanders, rookies reported to camp on Friday, and the rest of the team will officially report on Tuesday. While most NFL teams enter camp knowing who most of their 53-man roster will be, every squad will have roster and position battles.

Someone comes out of nowhere every year to jump on the coaches’ radar. Whether in practice each day or in the preseason games, players who are thought to have no shot at making the roster make the roster.

Who will that be for Washington in 2023?

We have identified six players who need a strong showing this summer to earn a starting spot, hold on to a starting spot, or make the roster.

 

Athletic guards a key to Commanders improving screen game in 2023

Expect the screen game to be a prominent part of Washington’s offense in 2023.

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How often have you watched other NFL teams over the years and wondered why the Washington Commanders can’t consistently run successful screen plays?

Either Washington didn’t practice the screen, whether to the running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends, or it just wasn’t a focal point of the offense.

That will change under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy comes from Kansas City, where he coached under the legendary Andy Reid for 10 years. Washington fans know all too well how successful Reid has been for over two decades with the screen game.

During OTAs and minicamp, the Commanders practiced the screen game. And with running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson and electric wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, it’s imperative that Washington do everything to get the ball in their hands, particularly in space.

Former Washington tight end and team analyst Logan Paulsen recently discussed what could make the Commanders’ screen game successful in 2023. It’s all about the revamped offensive line, specifically the guards.

“We got some really athletic guards,” Paulsen said. “We got [Sam] Cosmi, who is one of the most athletic offensive linemen the year he was drafted. He had a RAS score of like 9.5, which is crazy good. Saahdiq Charles, converted tackle, crazy athlete, in training camp, during OTAs,  you see these guys getting out in space.”

Cosmi is making the full-time transition to guard this season. The former second-round pick has primarily played right tackle for the first two years of his NFL career. Charles is entering his fourth NFL season and is in a battle with Chris Paul to start at left guard.

Paulsen also praised new right tackle Andrew Wylie’s athleticism, as well as left tackle Charles Leno and new center Nick Gates. Paulsen says Gates did some similar things in New York with the Giants.

“So I think if those guys remain the starters, and there is a long time left to go, their skill sets fit that really, really well,” Paulsen continued.

Some believe the Commanders haven’t done enough on the offensive line, despite signing Wylie and Gates in free agency and spending two additional picks on linemen. However, Washington received strong line play in 2020 and 2021, partly because of former Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff. If Cosmi and Charles take the next step in their careers, the Commanders could be fun and creative on offense.

It’s all about health for Commanders OL Saahdiq Charles

Charles is competing to start at left guard.

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The Washington Commanders selected offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. That’s the same offseason that new head coach Ron Rivera traded disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers.

No, Charles wasn’t drafted to be the next Trent Williams, but Washington was thrilled to land the former LSU left tackle in the fourth round. Charles was only 20 years old when Washington selected him. Charles played in 32 games in three seasons at LSU, making 28 starts. Of those 28 starts, 26 came at left tackle. He was the starting left tackle on LSU’s 2019 championship team.

After missing the first five games of his career due to injury, Charles debuted in Week 6 at left guard against the Giants. Charles dislocated his kneecap and was lost for the season.

Over the next two seasons, Charles would play in 23 games, with seven starts. Last season, he replaced a struggling Trai Turner at right guard for a few weeks.

While the Commanders have had a need at offensive tackle, they’ve mostly viewed Charles as a batter alternative at guard. And heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, Charles has another chance to impress Washington by winning the starting left guard job.

Charles is competing with Chris Paul, a seventh-round selection in 2022.

Head coach Ron Rivera spoke last week about Charles and mentioned health as his biggest obstacle to remaining in the starting in lineup.

“Well, first and foremost, we always know Saahdiq had the skillset to do it,” Rivera said “He’s gotta stay healthy. That’s probably the biggest thing right now for him. I mean, that always seemed to be the issue. If you go back and look at the times he’s played, um, something has come up whether it’s been the calf, it’s been the ankle, the shoulder. You just hope that he stays healthy because he has the skillset. He’s got the physical makeup, and again, it’s just a matter of being able to stay healthy, I believe.”

The Commanders have been looking for an answer at left guard since releasing Ereck Flowers last spring in a salary-cap move.

If Charles can remain healthy, don’t be surprised if he’s the choice. Washington has always liked his potential.

Commanders have shown some real progress in two areas

Emmanuel Forbes continues to be a bright spot for the Commanders.

A local reporter believes confidently the Commanders have made real progress in two key areas of the roster this offseason.

The Washington Post Commanders reporter Sam Fortier went as far as Thursday on the Craig “Hoffman Show” on The Team 980 to suggest that if the Commanders were playing the Vikings and wanted to shadow wide receiver Justin Jefferson, it would not be Kendall Fuller, given the assignment. It wouldn’t even be Benjamin St-Juste.

No, Fortier declared it would be rookie Emmanuel Forbes who has yet to play his initial NFL regular-season game. “If you want to be CB1 by that definition, then I think (Forbes) is your guy right now. He has been impressive. In terms of minicamp for a rookie? He has looked pretty dang good.”

Hoffman then transitioned, “The offensive line is still a massive area of concern.” He asked Fortier, “Have you seen anything to ease your concern in that position group this Spring?”

Fortier’s response was noteworthy. “If you want to say that they are old, unathletic and immobile like they were last year at guard with Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner. Then, I have seen things to boost my confidence. Saahdiq Charles looks bigger and stronger, and Sam Cosmi is going to transition nicely into guard.”

Fortier continued; however, he did not feel Rivera was as confident in the offensive line as he would like to be. Hoffman referred to how confident coaches were in 2022 of their offensive line despite its ability being much less than in 2020-21. Hoffman suggested this is good in that it shows they are more aware of what they actually have and don’t have on the offensive line now than in 2022.

 

Will the Commanders keep or release Andrew Norwell?

Could we see news involving Norwell soon?

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Wasn’t it strange recently how Commanders head coach Ron Rivera completely omitted a 2022 starter when asked about who will move forward on the 2023 offensive line?

Recently when Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was asked about his offensive line, Rivera openly mentioned how at left guard second-year guard out of Tulsa Chris Paul and fourth-year lineman out of LSU, Saahdiq Charles will battle it out for the starting job.

What was amazing to those paying attention was that Rivera completely overlooked starter Andrew Norwell, not including him in the mix, though he remains on the current roster.

It is no secret to any close follower of the Commanders that the 2022 season was one in which the offensive line’s play took a downward slide from a fine 2021 season. Norwell certainly at times had his struggles.

In the previous off season, Washington had lost starting guards Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. Scherff chose to leave for more money in Jacksonville, and the Commanders determined to release Flowers.

The Commanders then chose to bring in free agents Norwell and Trai Turner. These two however did not perform up to the level of play of Scherff and Flowers and the Washington offense struggled at times.

The Commanders released center Chase Roullier designating it a post-June 1 release which will save the Commanders more cap space. For months, many have expected the release of Norwell. Perhaps the Commanders will release Norwell after June 1. The release of Roullier and Norwell would save the Commanders around $12 million.

Norwell also managed apparently to not give any time to the media last season. Perhaps he was not actually pleased with his play in 2022? There is no mistaking that Coach Ron certainly appears to have moved on in his own mind from Norwell.

CBS regrades the 2020 NFL draft after three years and the Commanders remain the same

What grade would you give Washington’s 2020 NFL draft now?

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They say you can’t truly grade a draft until at least three years removed from that draft. So, now feels like the perfect time to go back and grade the Washington Commanders’ 2020 NFL draft.

That draft, of course, was the year Washington selected defensive end Chase Young at No. 2 overall. Over the last two years, we’ve seen some do redrafts, which is a silly notion, and give the Commanders quarterback Justin Herbert.

That sounds great, but we live in reality. You do not get do-overs.

As for Young, things began as expected. At times, he was a game-wrecker on the edge, recording 7.5 sacks and helping lead the Commanders to a surprising NFC East division title, albeit with a losing record, and won the NFL defensive rookie of the year.

Since that time, Young has only appeared in 12 games due to a significant knee injury. In the nine games before his 2021 knee injury, Young had just 1.5 sacks. He returned in Week 16 of the 2022 season and looked like his athletic self, but he did not record a sack.

The Commanders declined to pick up Young’s fifth-year option, guaranteed at over $17 million for 2024, making him a free agent after the 2023 season.

Let’s head back to that 2020 draft for a moment. Washington also selected running back Antonio Gibson [third round], offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles [fourth round], safety Kamren Curl and defensive James Smith-Williams [seventh round].

Gibson has been excellent at times, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2021 after scoring 11 touchdowns as a rookie. Charles has yet to establish himself but has logged several starts.

Curl is the gem of the class and is in line for a significant extension once new ownership takes over. Smith-Williams was also an excellent Day 3 pick, starting several games and becoming an important part of Washington’s defensive end rotation.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports gave Washington a “B” after the 2020 NFL draft. Three years later, Prisco sticks with that grade and explains why.

The Skinny: They took edge player Chase Young with the second overall pick. He flashed star potential as a rookie, but then suffered a major knee injury in 2021. He wasn’t the same player last season. This year is big for him. After that, they took running back Antonio Gibson in the third after trading their second-round pick the year before to draft Montez Sweat. Gibson has been a big part of their offense the past three years. Fourth-round offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles has been a sometimes starter, although he will open as a backup in 2023. They hit big on seventh-round safety Kamren Curl, who is one of the better players on their defense. Seventh-round edge James Smith-Williams had 14 starts and three sacks last season. But he has mostly been a backup.

How I did: I loved the pick of Young, but who didn’t? The injury has changed the trajectory of his career. I questioned trading the second to draft Sweat the year before, but Washington nailed that decision. I liked the picks of Gibson and Charles since both were on my Better-Than team that year. I also said fourth-round receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden had a chance, but he retired after two seasons with just one catch.

That’s fair. While Young’s career has been disappointing thus far, not all of it is his fault; his production before the injury is a concern, though. But that potential still exists, and 2023 is a massive season for him.

Curl, Gibson and Smith-Williams were all excellent choices, especially when you consider where Washington landed them.

How has the Commanders 2020 draft class developed?

How would you judge Washington’s 2020 NFL draft class right now?

How many times over the years have you heard, “You can’t grade a draft until you have at least three seasons of play?”

While the 2020 Washington NFL draft has brought some disappointment, this draft by no means can be called a dud or unproductive.

Yes, Antonio Gandy-Golden (4th round) is already out of the NFL, and yes, Keith Ismael (5th round) did not last long in the Burgundy and Gold.

Yes, Chase Young (1st round) has produced only 9 sacks in three seasons and yes, he was the overall second selection in the entire draft.

Yes, Saahdiq Charles (4th round) has only played in 24 games in three seasons. Yet, he has shown enough that head coach Ron Rivera still believes he and Chris Paul will battle for the starting left guard spot this fall.

Also encouraging is third-round selection, Antonio Gibson. Gibson from Memphis has rushed for 2,378 yards and caught 124 receptions for 894 yards. With the Commanders releasing J.D. McKissic, look for new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to readily use Gibson as the third-down back, getting the ball to him in space.

Khaleke Hudson (5th round, 162 overall) has been steady on special teams and showed in the season finale last season he can play more at linebacker if needed.

Seventh-round choices Kamren Curl and James Smith-Williams have been pleasant surprises who continue to contribute on defense. How often does a team have not one but two successful draft choices in the final round?

Both Curl and Smith-Williams are entering their final contract year with the Commanders. With these two being productive and reliable, the Commanders will need to get both re-signed for the 2024 season and beyond.

Who would have thought immediately after the 2020 draft, that after three seasons of play, not one but both seventh-round draft choices would be a top priority for the Commanders to resign for 2024?

Not a single one of us.

Ron Rivera very comfortable with Commanders offensive line

It also sounds like Washington’s next offensive line coach is already in the building.

Ron Rivera feels much better about his offensive line now.

The Commanders went out aggressively during the first week of free agency addressing their offensive line woes. As a result they made two quick additions, signing G/T Andrew Wylie and G/C Nick Gates.

Rivera, speaking with the local media at the owners meeting, Tuesday expressed, “I feel very comfortable with it, I really do. We made a concerted effort during free agency to go out and fortify the line. Add some depth to the line. Add some competition. We have some guys that are also position flex guys so it’ll give us an opportunity to see the best places to have these guys and integrate them with the guys that are currently on the roster.”

There are still young players who have yet to prove themselves. Apparently the plan is for two of them to compete at left guard. Rivera explained, “Our left guard will truly be a competition in terms of watching Saahdiq [Charles] and Chris Paul compete for that. I think both of those guys are young guys that have to play. Saahdiq is an explosive guy, very powerful. You watch Chris Paul in practice and the tape from some of the snaps he had in the Dallas game for sure, you see his play strength and his athleticism.”

There has been much speculation that both starting guards from last year Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell would not return. However, Rivera says that is not the case. “Andrew is going to be there as we go through the process and finish up all of our evaluations. We have to get through the draft as well.”

The Commanders also re-signed center Tyler Larsen and still have Chase Roullier. Rouiller was solid and dependable through the 2020 season. Unfortunately his last two seasons, he suffered bad injuries.

Who will be the next offensive line coach, replacing long-time veteran coach John Matsko?

“Well, we haven’t had an opportunity to finish the announcements and everything with everything that is going on. We will take care of that first opportunity very quickly, but we have a guy that is on staff, and we feel very comfortable with him.”

Travelle Wharton has been the assistant offensive line coach, even assisting Matsko back in Carolina as well. He played with the Panthers (2004-2013) starting 111 of the 115 games he played.

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Commanders coach Travelle Wharton talks offensive line

The assistant offensive line coach sees progress despite the rocky start to the season.

Travelle Wharton is a name most Commanders fans will not recognize, but the assistant offensive line coach is in his fifth season in NFL coaching.

Wharton played at South Carolina, grabbing the attention of enough scouts that he was drafted in the third round (94th) of the 2004 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers. Wharton who played in the NFL for nine seasons (2004-2013), met with the media Friday.

The team has suffered so many offensive line injuries early in the season.
A huge loss was losing center Chase Roullier and Wharton addressed this.
“Chase is not just a good player, but just a leader on our line and in the locker room. So losing him was a big hit for us. His confidence and getting us in protections and things like that. You can hear it with other players when he talks, everybody listens. Guys have been really stepping up, so it just shows everyone, Hey, be ready.”

After losing two centers, Nick Martin was signed and had to start immediately.

“I thought Nick stepped in last week and has done really well for just coming in and picking up what we were doing. For everybody else on the line, it’s really staying fine-tuned and understanding those calls cause we rehearse it so much during the course of the week and meetings and stuff like that, or what you’ll call here on different looks.”

The offensive line has at times gotten beaten badly. But Wharton sees progress.

“We are consistently getting better every time we step out there. We gotta continue to work; that’s the big thing. You lose a couple guys here and there, and the next guys step up, but we gotta continue to go. That’s what you have to do as offensive line, play hard together.”

Saahdiq Charles replaced Trai Turner at right guard and made some plays last week.

“He’s been in a few times, a few snaps. He’s getting the opportunity to play, and that’s the biggest thing when you get an opportunity to play in NFL games; you have to take advantage of it. I think mentally he’s prepared.”

“He’s always been explosive, from year one to year two is a big jump, man. He’s really grown overall as a football player mentally and physically of what he needs to do. He played multiple positions. He’s one of those guys that can play multiple and you have to be a pretty smart player to do all that and have the athletic skill set to do it also.”

“Andrew Norwell came in and has been physical. Let me start by saying that, he’s a great teammate that plays great football and he’s been physical. The continuity of those guys and Andrew being in there has been really well because he can make the blocks on the front side and the back side and do a good job in pass pro.”

LOOK: This image perfectly describes Commanders in Week 4 loss to Cowboys

This image sums up Washington’s day.

In case you haven’t heard, the Washington Commanders lost again on Sunday. This time it was a 25-10 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. Now, Washington is 1-3 on the season and has lost three straight games.

It was another ugly day from Washington’s offense. One week after quarterback Carson Wentz was sacked nine times, there was a fear he’d be sacked 10 times or more facing Micah Parsons and the Cowboys.

Believe it or not, Wentz was only sacked twice, although he was under pressure the entire day. While head coach Ron Rivera will go to the film and look for answers, one Twitter user may have discovered one of Washington’s offensive issues: The offensive linemen are blocking one another.

Thanks to Twitter user “KB” for the entertainment.

Rivera likely will not find the humor in it, but we’d all like to know what Andrew Norwell and Charles Leno were thinking on this play.