4 interior offensive linemen Commanders could select in 2023 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Which interior offensive linemen could the Washington Commanders potentially have their eye on during the 2023 NFL Draft?
If the Washington Commanders want to give Eric Bieniemy everything he needs for this offense to thrive in 2023, then bolstering the offensive line further during the NFL Draft will go a long way to accomplishing it. This bears more significance on the interior if those in power want to move forward with Charles Leno Jr. and free-agent signing Andrew Wylie as their starting tackle tandem.
Nick Gates could occupy the center position after arriving from the New York Giants. There is also the option of moving Sam Cosmi to the right guard spot, which could bring about an upturn in production after an indifferent spell on the edge.
Things are less certain next to Leno on the left-hand side. So if the Commanders want to hit the ground running under Bieniemy’s expert guidance, acquiring one or two capable performers from the college ranks is an absolute must.
With this in mind, here are four interior offensive linemen the Commanders could select in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Interior OL No. 1
Commanders could draft Ricky Stromberg
If the Washington Commanders want a little extra bang for their buck, then Ricky Stromberg represents a decent mid-round option thanks to his versatility to play anywhere on the interior. He is a smooth athlete with violent hands and a strong base, which makes the prospect a difficult proposition to shift off the block on running downs.
Stromberg’s football IQ and ability to set protections pre-snap already look NFL-ready. There is also a physicality and dominance to the former Arkansas stud’s approach that’s hard not to admire – he plays to the whistle and has no trouble leaving something on opposing defenders if the situation dictates.
The Commanders should take a look at Stromberg. If the prospect can improve his footwork, a future starting role won’t be far behind.