5 players the Commanders could have drafted over Ricky Stromberg
By Dean Jones
Adam Peters didn't think too much of the draft picks made by previous head coach Ron Rivera. He'd never say it publicly, but actions speak louder than words.
Peters decimated the roster this offseason. There was no consideration for previous status or draft standing. If they weren't a good fit or not displaying the right qualities, they were moved on with little fanfare attached. The Washington Commanders are in a much better spot, although it's a damning indictment of Rivera's evaluation techniques and his inability to find the right prospects from the college ranks.
Another example of this came during Washington's final cuts. Several draft picks were removed from the equation. Ricky Stromberg - a former third-round selection who endured an injury-plagued rookie campaign - was waived after failing to impress the new regime this offseason.
Stromberg was another swing and a miss from Rivera. Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have and some of these were taken much later than No. 97 overall, but here are five players the Commanders could have drafted instead with better evaluation infrastructure in place.
Players the Commanders could have drafted over Ricky Stromberg
Commanders could have drafted Anthony Bradford
- Offensive Line | No. 109 overall
Ron Rivera was in desperate need of offensive line help during the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead of using his first two selections on finding a blue-chip prospect, he used them on defensive backs. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is facing an uncertain future after one season. Quan Martin showed promise and has a much brighter future attached.
Ricky Stromberg was the first offensive lineman taken by the Washington Commanders. Looking at the way his career quickly disintegrated before his inevitable release, someone like Anthony Bradford represented a better option.
Bradford went to the Seattle Seahawks and played prominent reps throughout the campaign. There is some work to do as a run blocker. That said, there's a lot to like about his ability as a pass protector. Giving up just one sack in 659 offensive snaps is a testament to his relatively smooth transition.
The former LSU star looks set to start the 2024 season at right guard. Bradford would have been a better option for the Commanders. Rivera thought he knew better.