Washington fans wanted offensive linemen for the Commanders — multiple offensive linemen — in the 2023 NFL draft. Washington added three offensive linemen in free agency, but many weren’t convinced they were noticeable upgrades.
So after taking two defensive backs with their first two selections, the Commanders finally selected an offensive lineman at No. 97 overall — Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg.
Stromberg, a first-team All-SEC selection in 2022, was one of the top centers available in the 2023 NFL draft. He can also play guard.
What did Twitter think about Stromberg to the Commanders?
Here are some of the best reactions.
OL expert Brandon Thorn
Ricky Stromberg is one of 'my guys' in this draft and has a good chance at winning the center job in Washington sooner rather than later.
More details + my scouting report: https://t.co/AOMA1S7Vln
10 plays that show how he wins: pic.twitter.com/RIgjOIp1cu
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 29, 2023
Kent Lee Platte
Ricky Stromberg was drafted with pick 97 of round 3 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.57 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 26 out of 579 OC from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/o7D2XzaVmo pic.twitter.com/OzYpAQ5v3U
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 29, 2023
Ben Standig
Stromberg is @dpbrugler's third-rated center in this class.
"Stromberg could stand to play with better body control and posture through engagement, but he gains early positioning, works hard to stay attached and loses slowly. He is a versatile NFL backup with eventual starting… https://t.co/YmHW3LGeAE
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 29, 2023
Ryan Fowler
Absolutely love the Ricky Stromberg add in Washington.
Grown ass man in the middle that’ll compete for snaps right away.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 29, 2023
Eric Galko
.@Commanders fans, you've got your OC of the future in Ricky Stromberg.
44 career college starts in the SEC, and one of the safest IOL prospects in the draft.
A great OL from the @RazorbackFB program, Stromberg should play sooner rather than later for Washington. #ShrineBowl https://t.co/apm1X7e0pj pic.twitter.com/W23ir8L8to
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 29, 2023
Fan reactions
Stromberg is a Center and Guard that played in the Nastiest division for Big Men that college football has to offer.
Illinois was loaded with playmakers
And Forbes played in the SEC #HTTC
— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) April 29, 2023
Ngl I really like this Ricky stromberg pick straight mauler
— PAIN (@Xommanders) April 29, 2023
ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid
“My Guys” in the 2023 NFL Draft
Offense:
• QB: Bryce Young
• RB: Tank Bigsby
• WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
• TE: Sam LaPorta
• OT: Broderick Jones
• Guard: Steve Avila
• Center: Ricky Stromberg— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) April 26, 2023
Greg Gabriel
Washington is taking center Ricky Stromberg from Arkansas. Good pick
— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) April 29, 2023
More from Thorn
Stromberg's '10 plays'https://t.co/BMxExCmSxb pic.twitter.com/VGWGi2DNuN
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 26, 2023
