Analyzing Commanders' Trade For Laremy Tunsil: Was It A Blockbuster Move?

The Washington Commanders made headlines in the NFL offseason when they traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, one of the most skilled pass protectors in the league. The move was met with skepticism by some fans and analysts, who questioned whether the Commanders had overpaid for Tunsil's services. In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of the trade, examining whether it was a blockbuster move that will pay dividends for the Commanders or a mistake that will haunt them for years to come.

The Commanders have been in dire need of an elite left tackle, someone who can protect quarterback Sam Howell and keep him from taking sacks all game long. While Joe Theismann was a great choice in the first round of the 1978 draft, the team has not had a consistent franchise left tackle since. Tunsil, on the other hand, is one of the most talented tackles in the league, with a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism.

The Case for the Trade

Tunsil's addition gives the Commanders a boost on the offensive line, one that could make a significant difference in their ability to control the line of scrimmage. Here are just a few reasons why the trade was a good move:

• Protection for Sam Howell: As mentioned earlier, the Commanders have struggled to protect Howell from pressure. Tunsil's ability to seal the edge and keep rushers off the quarterback will be a major asset for the team.
• Power and Strength: Tunsil is an elite blocker, with the strength and power to move defenders off the ball. This will be a major upgrade over the Commanders' current left tackle.
• Athleticism: Tunsil is also one of the most athletic tackles in the league, with the speed and agility to keep up with the fastest rushers. This will be a major asset in run blocking and pass protection.

The Case Against the Trade

While Tunsil's addition gives the Commanders a boost on the offensive line, there are also some significant concerns about the trade. Here are just a few reasons why the trade may not have been as good a move as some people think:

• High Cost: The trade was expensive, with the Commanders sending a 2023 second-round pick to the Miami Dolphins. This is a significant investment, one that could have been better spent elsewhere.
• Tunsil's History: Tunsil has been in some controversy throughout his career, including a history of cocaine use and some run-ins with the law. While he has seemed to turn his life around, this is a major red flag for some fans.
• Uncertainty: Tunsil's status for the 2023 season is uncertain, as he is still recovering from a knee injury that he suffered in the offseason. This uncertainty is a major concern for the Commanders, who need him to be healthy and effective if they are going to succeed.

The Compromise

So, was the trade a block Buster move or a mistake? The answer is likely somewhere in between. While Tunsil's addition gives the Commanders a boost on the offensive line, the trade was also expensive and came with some significant risks. Ultimately, the outcome of the trade will depend on how Tunsil performs on the field and whether the Commanders are able to use him effectively.

Here are a few potential outcomes for the trade:

• Blockbuster Move: If Tunsil lives up to his hype and helps the Commanders win a division title, the trade will be considered a huge success.
• Disaster: If Tunsil struggles with injuries or personal issues, the trade will be considered a disaster.
• Middle Ground: If Tunsil has a solid season but is not able to lead the Commanders to the playoffs, the trade will be considered a middle-of-the-road success.

The Real Question

The real question is not whether the trade was a blockbuster move or a mistake, but rather how it will impact the Commanders' chances of success in the 2023 season. Will Tunsil's addition be enough to propel the team to the playoffs, or will it be a minor upgrade that makes little difference?

To answer this question, we'll need to take a closer look at the Commanders' offense and defense, as well as the rest of the league. Here are a few potential takeaways:

• Tunsil's Impact on the Run Game: Tunsil's ability to block for the run will be a major asset for the Commanders, who have struggled to establish a consistent running game in recent years.
• The Effect on Sam Howell: Tunsil's presence will also give Howell more time to operate, which could lead to increased efficiency and production on offense.
• The Competition: The Commanders will face stiff competition in the NFC East, with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles looking to make a deep playoff run.

The Future of the Trade

Ultimately, the success of the trade will depend on how the Commanders use Tunsil effectively and whether he is able to stay healthy and perform at a high level. Here are a few potential takeaways for the future of the trade:

• Tunsil's Long-Term Value: If Tunsil is able to stay healthy and perform at a high level, he could be a long-term fixture in the Commanders' lineup.
• The Trade's Impact on the Roster: The trade could also have an impact on the rest of the Commanders' roster, potentially leading to some changes or upgrades in the offseason.
• The Future of the Offseason: The trade will also have implications for the Commanders' offseason, potentially leading to some changes in