Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Sam Howell, Nick Gates and training camp

Commanders C Nick Gates ranked

It was evident big changes were coming to the offensive line this spring. One of the biggest conundrums facing the Washington Commanders was what to do at the center position.

Chase Roullier couldn't be relied upon from a health standpoint. Therefore, the Commanders made signing Nick Gates one of the top priorities when the legal tampering period began on a three-year, $16.5 million deal that included a $5 million signing bonus and $8 million guaranteed.

Washington also drafted Ricky Stromberg out of Arkansas, which left Roullier surplus to requirements. Gates will start initially, but he was ranked at No. 27 among his NFL counterparts by Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus. This was thanks in no small part to a suspect injury history and disappointing run blocking.

"[Nick] Gates started at center for the Giants back in 2020 and did pretty well for a player who was undrafted the year before, earning a 59.7 PFF grade. A horrible leg injury ended his 2021 season after just 74 snaps, but he was finally able to get back on the field in the second half of 2022. He earned a 69.0 PFF pass-blocking grade, seeing time at both center and guard, but struggled as a run blocker."

- Gordon McGuinness, PFF

Gates has the passion, drive, and talent to make a difference as Washington's anchor and primary communicator. He also looks back to full health, but this needs close monitoring as the campaign progresses.