ASHBURN — The Washington Commanders spent the first two rounds of the NFL draft addressing its needs on defense. But they turned to the other side of the ball in Round 3.
The Commanders used the 97th overall pick to former Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg, an offensive lineman who should beef up the team’s interior. The 6-foot-3, 306-pound center helped the Razorbacks have one of college football’s most dominant rushing attacks.
After last season, coach Ron Rivera said the Commanders needed to find stability at the center position. The team had been depleted on the interior over the last few seasons, with starting center Chase Roullier and key reserve Tyler Larsen suffering season-ending injuries in back-to-back years. Stromberg’s selection marks the team’s latest attempt to cure those woes. The Commanders also signed veteran center Nick Gates to a three-year, $16.5 million contract in free agency.
The Commanders have spent much of their offseason trying to overhaul their offensive line. Beyond the additions of Gats and Stromberg, the team also signed tackle Andrew Wylie (three years, $24 million) and tackle Trent Scott (two years, $2.2 million).
According to a scouting report from NFL.com, Stromberg has “an innate feel for angles and positioning,” while also having the versatility to play multiple spots along the line. At Arkansas, the 22-year-old started 33 games at center, nine at right guard and two at left guard. He moved to center in 2020.
Earlier in the evening, the Commanders selected safety Quan Martin with the 47th pick — marking their second straight selection of a defensive back. The team also drafted cornerback Emmanuel Forbes with the 16th overall pick in Round 1.
All three of the Commanders picks so far had previously visited the team in lead up to the draft as the Commanders hosted them on official Top 30 visits.
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