Commanders Have Most Improved Offensive Line Post-NFL Draft?
The Washington Commanders knew heading into the NFL Draft that protecting soon-to-be second-year quarterback Sam Howell was paramount.
Washington addressed this and added center Ricky Stromberg from Arkansas in the third round and tackle Braeden Daniels from Utah in the fourth round. For some, these two selections strengthen a unit that gave up 48 sacks last season.
But is Washington's offensive line one of the most improved units now? Pro Football Focus thinks so and ranked the Commanders in the top three for most improved offensive lines post-draft.
"Despite spending their top two picks on cornerbacks, the Commanders were still able to come out of the draft with multiple offensive linemen who could contribute in 2023," PFF writes. "They spent the third-round pick on Ricky Stromberg, a center from Arkansas with the size and position flexibility to challenge for playing time at guard before taking over in the middle sometime down the line. Stromberg got better in each of the last three seasons and didn't allow a sack or knockdown across more than 400 pass-blocking snaps last season.
"A round later, the team grabbed tackle Braeden Daniels from Utah. Daniels played three different spots on the offensive line over the last few years for Utah and can cover multiple spots on the Washington line. He allowed just two sacks over the last three seasons."
With Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates signed during free agency, the Commanders look to have significantly strengthened Howell's protection, on paper at least.
Keeping Howell upright next season will be crucial, and we imagine new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is already devising a gameplan to simplify things for his young quarterback.
For all the game-planning and schemes, allowing Howell the time to go through his reads is critical, and having an offensive line that can give him that time will ultimately decide the Commanders fate, but the franchise has made moves to hopefully make that a reality next season.
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