Don Deal: The Washington Commanders welcome two players worth over $700 million.
Two of the Washington Commanders‘ 2023 draft selections, former Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg (draft #31) and Utah tackle Braeden Daniels (draft #4), were signed to rookie contracts today.
After graduating from high school as a four-star recruit, Stromberg, who stands six feet three and weighs 306 pounds, did not have to wait long to get his first taste of SEC football. Towards the end of his first year at Arkansas, he started 11 games, starting nine at right guard and two at left guard. In his sophomore year, Stromberg switched to center, where he became a regular starter for the whole campaign. Stromberg’s career in Fayetteville, Arkansas, ended with a Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is awarded to the conference’s best offensive lineman, following his participation in 11 games as a senior.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com described the prospect as a “center prospect with enough athleticism and strength to be considered scheme independent.” “He has a natural sense of angles and placement that results in some surprising block wins. With the ability to play guard when necessary, Stromberg has the potential to establish himself as a starting center.” Scouts and analysts have complimented him on his excellent awareness, reliable timing, flexibility, and gritty touch.
In the 2019 season, Daniels (6-foot-4, 294 pounds) advanced to a starting position in the Utes’ trenches and never looked back. He started at left tackle in all 14 of Utah’s games that season. He participated in all five of the Utes’ games in the COVID-shortened 2022 campaign (starting one at left guard). He was named to the Pac 12 conference’s second team after starting every game in 2021. He was named to the first team of the conference in his last season due to his 14 starts. According to Pro Football Focus, Daniels gave up just five sacks in almost 1,400 pass-blocking snaps during his entire collegiate career.
“A dynamic, athletic offensive lineman with potential to play tackle or guard. Daniels is a potent down blocker who has the agility to perform zone blocking duties, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
