Commanders 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Big splash edition
By Dean Jones
Commanders draft Ricky Stromberg
- Offensive Line | Arkansas Razorbacks
As stated previously, the offensive line got two solid veterans in the form of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie. The Washington Commanders didn’t have the financial clout to spend big, so this is the best fans could have hoped for with the limited resources available.
Adding interior depth via the 2023 NFL Draft must also be sought at some stage. Looking at the options, there is an opportunity to pick up some value in the mid-to-late rounds, which is something that’s become more prevalent in recent years.
Ricky Stromberg makes a ton of sense at this stage of the draft. The versatile prospect can slot in almost anywhere on the interior with minimal fuss, but his growth at the center position in 2022 means this could be something to explore long-term.
Stromberg’s intelligence and dominant run blocking are solid foundations from which to build. The Arkansas product plays with a ruthless streak that’s hard not to love, finishing blocks in an aggressive fashion to overwhelm opponents more often than not.
The lineman has enough pass protection capabilities to go off. But there are some technical flaws that need refinement before he’s ready to assume starting responsibilities in the NFL.