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Redskins need '13 edition of Trent Williams to justify deal

Washington Redskins tackle Trent Williams (71) against the Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Solomon (54) during an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams received a contract extension Saturday (according to his agent) that would make him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL.

Is he worth that kind of money? It depends on which version of him the Redskins are going to get going forward: The 2013 Williams who was our No. 1-graded offensive tackle, or the 2014 Williams who ranked just No. 17 at the position.

That’s obviously a huge gap – the difference between the best tackle in the game and an average one.

Let’s compare the two seasons:

–In 2013, he compiled a +34.4 overall grade, and finishing almost six grade points ahead of second-ranked Joe Thomas (+28.5).  Williams was equally dominant, with a +13.7 run-blocking grade and a +17.1 pass -locking grade and also ranked eighth in pass-blocking efficiency at 95.9.

–In 2014, Williams took a step back and struggled with shoulder and knee injuries throughout the season. He ranked No. 17 out of all tackles with a +10.5 overall grade. His pass-blocking grade of +9.3 and pass-blocking efficiency rating of 96.2 were still up to standard, but his run blocking suffered as his +1.7 run blocking grade ranked No. 21 out of all tackles.

Williams is still only 28 years old, and at one of the premium positions in football, has a tremendous opportunity in front of him. If he can stay healthy and replicate his dominant 2013 season, the Redskins should certainly feel justified in rewarding him with such a big contract extension. If he reverts to his 2014 form, however, he is going to be one of the more overpaid players in the NFL.

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