By Adam Aniba
During Washington's first preseason game vs Cleveland, the Commanders starting offensive line unit left a lot to be desired.
New right tackle Andrew Wylie in particular, struggled in his first preseason action with the Commanders.
The Commanders head into the 2023 season with four new starters along the offensive line with left tackle Charles Leno Jr. returning.
As mentioned Wylie steps in as the starting right tackle with Sam Cosmi sliding over to right guard, free agent pick up Nick Gates will start at center and Chris Paul is the likely starting left guard.
Although believed to be only a minor knee tweak, Cosmi's durability is notable. Washington's depth along the o-line is about to be tested before the team even gets to week 1.
Although 4th rounder Braeden Daniels will be tried at offensive tackle, he'll also get reps at guard. Fellow 2023 draft selection Ricky Stromberg (FULL Scouting Report) is believed to be the center of the future for Washington, but is also getting practice reps at guard along with backup center Tyler Larsen.
Washington used multiple centers and interior lineman last season due to injury. Positional flexibility is what HC Ron Rivera constantly preaches and that could certainly be put to the test, if any of their starters go down.
Stromberg had 12 career starts at right and left guard while at Arkansas. He was apart of a historical Razorbacks season in 2022, in which Arkansas's offense gained 6,128 yards of total offense (3rd time in school history that an offense accumulated over 6K yards).
He was named SEC OL of the Week after the Razorbacks rushed for 335 yards in victory over Ole Miss (11/19/22). Stromberg was an Honorable Mention All-America by Pro Football Focus and won the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy (best SEC offensive lineman).
Although Cosmi's knee hyperextension shouldn't keep him off the practice field,Stromberg looked sound in Tuesday's scrimmage vs the Ravens and could have the inside track to start week 1 at right guard.