Could Commanders Rookie Braeden Daniels Play Guard?
There are still question marks surrounding where Washington Commanders rookie Braeden Daniels will play along the offensive line.
The versatile Utah lineman started 43 games in college (18 at left guard, 14 at left tackle, 11 at right tackle) without a solidified position in the unit. While Daniels' 6-4, 297-pound frame could have him play guard, Ron Rivera hasn't put the fourth-round rookie in a box when it comes to his position.
"Both Chris [Paul] and Saahdiq [Charles] are gonna get a great opportunity to show us what they're capable of," Rivera said about the guard competition. "Would Braeden have an opportunity? Yeah, but you know, we're gonna see where he fits as far as tackle is concerned. And then we'll take a look at the guard stuff, but tackle is something that we really like. A lot of athleticism there. Very raw talent."
Positional versatility is something the Commanders stressed heavily in their draft class, and it can be seen in many of their selections. It was also seen in the team's free agency process.
“The great thing about Andrew [Wylie] and Nick [Gates] and Trent [Scott] is their position flexibility, versatility," general manager Martin Mayhew said. "Trent has played pretty much everywhere except center. Andrew has played guard and tackle and Nick has played center and guard. We have the flexibility there to go anywhere in the draft. Add someone and put the pieces wherever the pieces line up.”
With the ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, Daniels' chances of seeing the field sooner rather than later only grows.
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