Should Commanders Target Offensive Line Upgrade in Upcoming NFL Draft?

The Washington Commanders currently have the 16th overall pick, but should the franchise look at fortifying the offensive line?

The Washington Commanders have some decisions to make. With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, exactly what type of player the Commanders take with the 16th overall pick will tell us a lot.

Sam Howell, the soon-to-be second-year quarterback, is firming as the franchise's starter heading into the offseason workouts. So, would it make sense for Washington to fortify the offensive line and protect Howell?

The Commanders have already taken steps in that direction, signing Andrew Wylie from the Kansas City Chiefs and Nick Gates from the New York Giants, but could adding a star young lineman be on the agenda?

Quite possibly. A name mentioned in several mock drafts is Florida guard O'Cyrus Torrence. While not the flashy first-round pick some might have hoped for, what Torrence could do for Howell could be substantial.

He is one of the best interior lineman in the draft and would slot straight into Eric Bieniemy's offensive line from Week 1. There could be others Washington views as Week 1 starters as well in offensive tackle Broderick Jones, Peter Skoronski, and Paris Johnson Jr., although the latter is likely to be taken high in the draft.

The Commanders' offensive line gave up the seventh-most sacks last season (48). Additionally, Carson Wentz (2.3) and Taylor Heinicke (2.5) had, on average, a little over two seconds to throw the ball before being pressured last season, which had them both ranked outside the top 30 in the NFL.

Shoring up the offensive line if Howell is to be the starter feels like good business for Washington, as protection is paramount in giving the former North Carolina quarterback room to shine.

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