Redskins OTAs: Notes on Trent Williams, Offensive Line

The OTAs that the Washington Redskins held today looked very similar to last week’s except that, if at all possible, the players seemed even more enthusiastic and physical. Of course, they have had an additional week to digest their play books and are likely feeling stronger and more confident having been in the weight room a week longer. Had they gone at it much harder than they did, they would have needed to put on their pads.

This is in keeping with General Manager Scot McCloughan’s overall philosophy of bringing in big, tough, nasty football players so it should be no surprise. The good news for the team and for fans is that these attributes seem to be manifesting onto the practice field. Hopefully, they will also translate to the gridiron come the regular season.

Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams was one of a few of players that did not participate in any drills after it was revealed that he’d had some issues with his left ankle.

The joint was an issue for Williams last season and, although he played through it, he was not 100% for much of the year. He told reporters after practice that he was resting and strengthening it but that he would be ready for training camp. He also was willing to give the media his views on several things today, one of which was his new offensive line coach, Bill Callahan and the players on his squad. This of course, was a treat because the man is always a good interview.

Williams has never been one to mince words and his description of the new coach was straight up.

“He’s working the c**p out of everybody,” he quipped. “You know, he’s getting everybody ready. He’s a very intense coach and he’s not going to accept anything but your best efforts.”

Williams also talked about the importance of being there during the OTAs even though he wasn’t practicing and said he was taking mental reps even though he wasn’t on the field. This is a testament to the leader the sixth-year player has become and why he was a captain last year.

The addition of Callahan as well as the 6’2”, 231 lbs. third-round draft pick Matt Jones has signaled a change in the offensive scheme to more of a power running game and Williams likes the idea.

“I think it’s going to be a perfect blend,” the former Sooner said. “Obviously the power game is going to compliment the zone running scheme and vice versa so… we have [running back ]Alfred [Morris] and he’s one of those guys that can run the power to the ‘T’ so it’s definitely going to compliment this offense.”

While the players are only in shells, shorts and helmets during this phase of the offseason, athleticism and skill can still be witnessed and tested to a degree. Rookie offensive lineman Brandon Scherff continued to display his physicality even under the limited circumstances, looking even more comfortable than he did last week. Second-year player Spencer Long took left guard reps with the first team in place of the recently released Chris Chester and, while it’s hard to watch everything all at once during the one day the media is allowed into the OTAs, third year man Tom Compton spent some time at left tackle during some of the 11-on-11 drills.

For all intents and purposes, pending something catastrophic happening with Scherff’s health or skill, he and Williams will be anchoring the offensive trenches once the season starts. It’s going to be important that the two of them are on the same page and, so far, Williams is impressed by the youngster.

“He’s doing good,” Williams said of the first-round draft pick, “He’s improving everyday. He’s so willing to learn. A lot of times when you get a draft pick that high they kind of come in thinking they know it all but; he’s just come in like a sponge, soaking everything up. You see him staying after practice to get better… he’s doing all the necessary things to be a pro.”

Williams, Scherff and the entire offensive line is in good hands with Callahan on the clock. Williams’ comment today about the coach’s intensity is the third time one of the players in this unit has made a point of saying that the coach is really working them and working them hard.

Last season, the coach was with the Dallas Cowboys and the offensive line was thought by many to be one of the best in the league, both in terms of work ethic and its talent. There is no question that the Redskins’ unit will be better this season with Callahan at the helm. While Williams knows that his own mentoring will be important for the young guys like Scherff and Long, the left tackle also knows that the onus will fall on the new offensive line coach.

“It definitely falls on us [veterans] to try to help them learn the pro game,” Williams said, “but it’s all up to Coach. He’s an experienced coach and he’s going to bring them along just fine. He’s experienced with coaching young guys and getting them to play at a high level so I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a deal.”