NFL Draft: Commanders Take Arkansas Center Ricky Stromberg at No. 97

The Washington Commanders added to its offensive line by taking Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg with the No. 97 pick.

The Washington Commanders finally addressed the offensive side of the ball, taking Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg with the No. 97 pick in the NFL Draft on Friday. 

Stromberg started 44 games at Arkansas, including a streak of 25 straight. Stromberg started all 12 games in his senior season in 2022. In his four seasons as a Razorback, he only allowed four sacks. 

"While he must improve his weight distribution and leverage to compensate for limited lateral movement skills, Ricky Stromberg’s intelligence and rare power profile make him a potentially strong starter in the league," SI Draft Bible writes.

Stromberg also won the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s best offensive lineman. Stromberg was also named to the first-team All-SEC by the AP, Coaches, PFF and USA Today. Stromberg's blocking helped guide Arkansas to its third season of over 6,000 total yards. 

"One of the 2022 NFL Draft’s best centers, Ricky Stromberg’s intelligence, reasonable linear athleticism and rare power profile for the position make him a reliable pass protector and run blocker," SI Draft Bible writes. "Still, the Arkansas center’s limited lateral burst and change of direction ability will hurt him at the next level. Moreover, he must improve his weight distribution and leverage. Stromberg projects as an early low-end starter with room to improve into a solid starter."

The Commanders also added to their offensive line in free agency with the signings of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie, and Stromberg should compete alongside them for starting roles this season.

Washington will be back on the board on Saturday with the No. 118 pick.

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here