ASHBURN — The Washington Commanders drafted former Utah offensive lineman Braeden Daniels with the 118th pick Saturday as the team looked to add more depth up front in the trenches.
Daniels, a 6-foot-4, 294-pound lineman, has experience playing tackle and guard. He spent last season as the Utes’ left tackle but played left guard in 2019 and 2020 before being primarily moved to right tackle in 2021. Daniels is known for his athleticism.
Daniels’ selection comes after the Commanders drafted former Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg in the third round. Washington’s offensive line, too, has been overhauled this offseason as the team signed veterans Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie in free agency and fired offensive line coach John Matsko. Coach Ron Rivera said Friday that assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton will replace Matsko and will be officially promoted once Washington gets new ownership.
If Daniels plays guard, he could compete for a starting spot right away as Washington’s left guard figures to be wide open in training camp. He would compete with second-year lineman Chris Paul, veteran Saahdiq Charles and possibly Andrew Norwell (who remains on the roster but is very likely ).
In Rounds 1 and 2, the Commanders drafted cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and safety Quan Martin.
