Tag: Braeden Daniels

Commanders sign 4th-round pick Braeden Daniels

Braeden Daniels can play guard or tackle, but will receive his first chance at tackle.

The Washington Commanders signed fourth-round pick Braeden Daniels Friday after locking up third-round pick Ricky Stromberg. That leaves Washington’s only unsigned draft picks as first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes and second-round pick Quan Martin.

The 6-foot-4, 294-pound Daniels is expected to begin his NFL career at offensive tackle. The former Utah Ute was a four-year starter in college, first beginning his career at left guard, where he started 14 games in 2019. In 2021, Daniels started three games at left guard before moving over to right tackle and starting 11 games. He was named second-team All-Pac 12 after the season.

Daniels moved to left tackle for his senior season, where he started all 14 games. He earned first-team All-Pac honors for a unit that averaged over 217 yards rushing per game and allowed just 15 sacks as a group.

For his career, Daniels played in 49 games, making 43 starts. Daniels and Stromberg have played a lot of football at a high level, which made them attractive to Washington head coach Ron Rivera who wanted ready-made contributors.

Many project Daniels to inside as a guard at the next level, but Rivera said Daniels will get his first crack at offensive tackle. Charles Leno Jr. and Andrew Wylie are Washington’s projected starters at tackle, and Daniels will compete with Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott to be the Commanders’ swing tackle in 2023.

Logan Paulsen wonders if Commanders should have drafted a couple of offensive tackles

Paulsen offers his excellent analysis of the Commanders’ draft and questions the team’s decision not to take a true offensive tackle.

Former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen raised a legitimate question with Craig Hoffman Thursday on the “Take Command Podcast.”

Paulsen reminded listeners that Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones was still available when the Commanders went on the clock for the 97th selection late in round three of last week’s 2023 NFL draft.

“My question is, is the risk of that player worth the 97th pick for a guy who has top-five talent, when and if he is in shape and he is ready to play football?”

Paulsen raised the question because the Commanders looking for an offensive tackle had all four top prospects taken by the time they selected at 16. Jones was there at 97 when the Commanders determined to not take the huge offensive tackle, selecting instead Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg.

Paulsen spoke to one of his NFL friends who conveyed to Paulsen that their staff had removed Jones from their board entirely.

“They (Commanders) like bigger centers, and Stromberg is more their type. This is not an indictment of Stromberg in any way. I think Stromberg is an excellent football player. But I tend to value tackle more than I value center.”

Paulsen also questioned the Commanders selecting Utah G/T Braeden Daniels at 118 when Pittsburgh tackle Carter Warren was available and taken two picks later. Prior to his ACL injury last season, Paulsen said Warren was projected by several to be a top 60 pick.

Do you get what Paulsen is saying? Offensive tackles being much more important, carry more value. Therefore, twice Washington could have taken a higher-upside tackle at either 97 or 118 and decided to go with a safer selection both times.

Paulsen continued, “There is a history with big offensive tackles with weight issues in college continuing to have weight issues in the pros.“ Paulsen expressed that Jones at the Senior Bowl came in at 370 and looked like a top-five offensive tackle.

But Paulsen also said that Jones in the season had gotten up to 420 pounds “and looked enormous.” If he “stays down at 370, it’s a party now.“ So Paulsen asked does 420 pound Jones have more upside than Braeden Daniels.

He also pointed out Jones was to come in for a 30-visit, but it fell through. Paulsen said he was not altogether certain but willing to wager a lot of money that Jones was again really out of shape, and they (Commanders) wanted to get him on the scales.

Craig Hoffman offered a logical, direct point when declaring, “I’d rather trust Braeden Daniels to put on 15 pounds than Jones to lose 30 pounds…it’s a no-brainer.”

Here is the entire segment; its worth the listen.

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Commanders gave Ole Miss OL Mason Brooks one of the larger guarantees for UDFAs

Brooks can play guard and tackle.

While the Washington Commanders didn’t draft an offensive lineman in the first or second round of the 2023 NFL draft, they did add depth and talent to the group.

Washington selected Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg in the third round and Utah guard/tackle Braeden Daniels in the fourth round. Stromberg will compete to start this season, while Daniels will likely begin his career at offensive tackle. Both can play multiple positions and will provide depth in 2023.

After the draft, Washington wasn’t done adding to the offensive line. One of its first moves was signing Mississippi offensive tackle Mason Brooks as a priority undrafted free agent.

According to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, the Commanders gave Brooks a $35K bonus, second only to the Vikings’ bonus for Army Edge rusher Andre Carter.

Brooks began his college career at Western Kentucky, where he primarily played right tackle. After transferring to Ole Miss, Brooks played guard, showing the positional versatility Commanders head coach Ron Rivera values so much.

The Commanders view Brooks as a tackle, but he can play guard, too. John Keim of ESPN said the Commanders valued Brooks from the start, as well as Illinois safety Kendall Smith.

Commanders draft pick Braeden Daniels will begin his career at offensive tackle

The coaches like his position flex but want to give him a chance at tackle first.

Braeden Daniels played three positions during his college career at Utah. Daniels began at guard before moving to right tackle and then left tackle during his final season in 2022.

On Saturday, Daniels was a fourth-round pick of the Washington Commanders.

At 6-foot-4, 294 pounds, multiple draft analysts believe Daniels’ best NFL position would be at guard, but could also play swing tackle. But it didn’t sound like too many believed he’d be a starting offensive tackle at the next level.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera disagrees, saying Daniels would begin his career at tackle.

“Well, he’ll compete in it,” Rivera said when asked if Daniels would have a chance to compete to start at left guard.

“Both Chris [Paul] and Saahdiq [Charles] are gonna get a great opportunity to show us what they’re capable of. Would Braden have an opportunity? Yeah, but you know, we’re gonna see where he fits as far as tackle is concerned. And then we’ll take a look at the guard stuff, but tackle is something that we really like. A lot of athleticism there. Very raw talent. Listening to Travelle, one of the things Travelle felt is that this is a young man, if we can get his footwork straight, we think he has a chance to, to be a contributor.”

If Daniels can play tackle, that’s good for Washington. If not, many believe he’ll be an excellent NFL guard.

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Twitter reaction to Commanders pick of Braeden Daniels at No. 118

Twitter reacts to Washington’s selection of Braeden Daniels.

After the Commanders started their 2023 NFL draft selecting back-to-back defensive backs, they have now chosen back-to-back offensive linemen.

In the first two rounds, they had chosen Emmanuel Forbes (16th overall) and Jartavius Martin (47th overall). Now they have determined to make additions at center and guard with Ricky Stromberg (97th overall) and Braeden Daniels (118th overall).

What was the Twitter reaction to the Commanders selecting the guard from Utah?

Instant analysis of Commanders selecting Utah G/T Braeden Daniels in 4th round

What did the Commanders get in Braeden Daniels?

The Washington Commanders continue to add pieces to the offensive line. After selecting Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg at No. 97 overall in the 2023 NFL draft Friday, the Commanders drafted Utah guard/tackle Braeden Daniels at No. 118 overall Saturday.

Daniels started in parts of four seasons at Utah, ending his career as an All-PAC-12 selection at left tackle. Daniels started at left guard, right tackle and left tackle.

As Washington looks to upgrade the offensive line, Daniels should compete to start at left guard as a rookie with Chris Paul, Saahdiq Charles and perhaps Nick Gates if he isn’t the starting center.

Daniels is a good athlete who could thrive in a zone scheme.

Here’s Lance Zierlein of NFL.com’s scouting report on Daniels.

Active, athletic offensive lineman offering room for development at guard or tackle. Daniels is an impactful down blocker with the quickness to handle zone-blocking duties. Firing out and sustaining drive blocks, however, will require much better patience and footwork to keep from whiffing or falling off blocks. Small hands prevent him from latching in as a run blocker or in pass protection, but flurrying hands and a tenacious mirror help him stay in front of rushers. Position versatility and correctable issues could raise Daniels’ draft profile as a middle-rounder with upside.
Daniels presents good value to Washington as a fourth-round pick. If he’s nothing more than a swing tackle, it’s an excellent selection. And if he becomes a starter, even better.
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Commanders select Utah G/T Braeden Daniels in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL draft

Commanders add more help in the trenches.

The Washington Commanders selected Utah offensive tackle/guard Braedan Daniels with the No. 118 overall selection in the 2023 NFL draft.

Daniels is the second offensive lineman selected by Washington, following Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg who went No. 97 overall.

Daniels appeared in 49 games for Utah in his college career, making 43 starts. Daniels started 18 games at left guard, 14 at left tackle and 11 at right tackle. While the Commanders could use tackle depth, the 6-foot-4, 294-pound Daniels inside at guard.

Daniels played left tackle in 2022 and earned All-PAC-12 honors. In almost 1,400 pass-blocking snaps, Daniels allowed just five sacks in his college career.

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Packers Mock Draft 9.0: Packers turn to Iowa for help in 7-Round mock draft

The Packers took players from Iowa with their first two picks in this seven-round mock draft.

Welcome to the final Mock Draft Monday of the 2023 NFL Draft cycle. In this seven-round mock, we have a “mock” Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets for the 42nd overall pick. Let’s take a look at the players the Green Bay Packers selected in my seven-round mock draft.

15th overall pick: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

With the nickname Hercules, one better be a powerful specimen. Lukas Van Ness lives up to the nickname and then some. He’s a powerful edge rusher with a devastating bull rush to blast through blockers.

Van Ness never started a game for the Hawkeyes. That didn’t stop him from leading the team with 46 pressures this past season. Over the past two seasons, Van Ness recorded 74 pressures (PFF) to go along with 13 sacks.

Green Bay’s pass rush needs juice. With Rashan Gary coming off a torn ACL and Preston Smith turning 31 this season, the Packers need to add another difference-maker at the position. 

With his length (6-5), power, and age (he’ll turn 22 in July), Van Ness fits the bill of what Gutekunst is looking for in the first round. 

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42nd overall pick: Sam Laporta, TE, Iowa

If it wasn’t for Iowa’s putrid offense, LaPorta may have posted a 1,000-yard receiving for the Hawkeyes. The Iowa tight end is a difference-maker as a pass catcher. LaPorta is one of the best YAC threat tight ends in this class. Over the past two seasons, LaPorta racked up 667 yards after the catch (PFF). As a blocker, LaPorta is wired right as a blocker and more than willing to do the dirty work. 

The Packers desperately need an infusion of talent at the tight end position. LaPorta is a well-rounded tight end. He’s a moveable tight end that could line up in the slot, in-line, or even out wide. He could step in immediately and provide an impact as a security blanket for Jordan Love. 

45th overall pick:  Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida

Dexter has a quick first step off the snap and has a lot of power flowing through his upper body. Just turn on Dexter’s game against Alabama during the 2021 season and it’s easy to see Dexter’s disruptive potential. He finished that game with eight tackles, one sack and was consistently disrupting the action.

The Packers lost Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry in free agency. They need to add talent around Kenny Clark. Devonte Wyatt is a candidate to break out during his second year in the league.

Dexter has all the tools in the shed to develop into a disruptive force. With his traits and age (22 in October), it’s a safe bet that the Florida defensive tackle could be high on Green Bay’s board to start day two of the draft.

78th overall pick: Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

The Michigan State wide receiver has an instant accelerator and the long speed to win vertically. Reed is a shifty athlete in space. If he makes the first defender miss he has the quickness to make a house call. According to PFF, Reed picked 581 yards after the catch over the past two seasons. 

On top of all that, Reed’s a willing blocker on the perimeter. He’d also bring special teams value as a return man.

The Packers need more speed.  His calling card is his ability to win vertically. He’s more than just a vertical threat though. He’s a three-level threat that would give the Packers an electric playmaker to pair with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure. 

116th overall pick: Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah

Daniels finished his career at Utah with 43 career starts. Daniels started 18 games at left guard and 11 games at right tackle. This past season he started all 14 games at left tackle.

Daniels has quick feet and plays and he has the lateral quickness to match rushers wide of the pocket. This past season, Daniels made the move from right tackle to left tackle and gave up zero sacks. 

Daniels is an athletic offensive tackle that doesn’t labor reaching the second level. He sustains his block to create movement in the run game.

With his tackle-guard versatility and experience, Daniels could be an attractive day-three target for the Packers as they look to add more depth to the offensive line. 

149th overall pick: Rejzohn Wright, CB, Oregon State

The Oregon State cornerback looks the part at 6-1, 193 pounds, with long arms. With his size and length, he gives the quarterback a very small window. He’s not shy about using his length at the line of scrimmage. With his length, he suffocates passing lanes.

The Packers currently have a logjam of cornerbacks that play on the boundary and adding a player like Wright would only add to the clutter. All it takes is one injury to create a massive need and a team can never have enough talented cornerbacks. In 2021, the Packers lost Alexander for most of the season. This past season, it was Eric Stokes missing the majority of the season due to injury. 

Adding a player with Wright’s length and athleticism would be appealing on day three of the draft. 

170th overall pick: Jalen Redmond, DL, Oklahoma

Redmond explodes out of his stance. He’s twitched up. That short-area explosiveness was on full display at the combine when he clocked a 1.71 10-yard split. That time was tied for the second fastest among interior defensive linemen.

With his initial quickness, he consistently disrupts the action in the backfield. Redmond played in 32 games during his time as a Sooner and finished with 31.5 tackles for loss.  

As mentioned earlier, the Packers need bodies up front and they need to bolster their interior pass rush. Redmond has the athleticism to develop into a disruptive force up front.

232nd overall pick: Noah Gindorff, TE, NDSU

The NDSU tight end has missed 15 games over the past two seasons due to ankle injuries. If it weren’t for injuries, Gindorff likely would have been an early day-three selection. 

Gindorff gets after it as a blocker and does a good job of sealing outside running lanes. He’s a big target with a large catch radius.

235th overall pick: Max Duggan, QB, TCU

The TCU quarterback is tough as nails and put together many highlight-reel-worthy runs during his time at TCU. Duggan gets the ball out with urgency and throws with nice touch. With his competitive toughness, Duggan could be a solid backup for Jordan Love. 

242nd overall pick: Ty Okada, S, Montana State

The Minnesota native is a versatile defensive back that would be an attractive target for the Packers as they look for upgrades at safety. Okada could play in the slot, on the boundary, or in the deep third. He has 4.44 speed and experience playing on special teams. Given the state of Green Bay’s safety room, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Okada battle for playing time. 

256th overall pick:  Anders Carlson, K, Auburn

Have to get a kicker in on this mock draft. With Jake Moody and Chad Ryland off the board, let’s go with the Classical Academy graduate (Colorado Springs) and brother of Daniel Carlson. Anders has a strong leg, with a career-long of 53 yards. With Mason Crosby’s career in Green Bay likely done, Carlson could be his replacement. 

Utah offensive lineman recently visited the Commanders

Braeden Daniels was a four-year starter for Utah.

The Washington Commanders continue to evaluate offensive linemen ahead of next week’s 2023 NFL draft.

The Commanders have hosted several offensive linemen on top-30 visits while also scheduling meetings at the NFL combine, Senior Bowl, or virtual meetings via Zoom.

Utah offensive lineman Braeden Daniels recently visited Ashburn, according to Matt Zenitz of On3.

The 6-foot-4, 294-pound Daniels could go in the third or fourth round of next week’s draft. While Daniels would ideally need to add some weight at the next level, his versatility is a selling point for Washington head coach Ron Rivera.

Daniels started games at both tackle positions and left guard with the Utes. He profiles as a guard in the NFL. Daniels would be excellent in a zone scheme, which makes sense with the 49ers hosting him on a visit. No one runs the zone-blocking scheme like San Francisco.

Washington’s continued evaluation of offensive linemen makes it certain the Commanders will add one early and perhaps another at some point in the draft.

1 interior offensive lineman for the Vikings for every round of the 2023 NFL draft

The Minnesota Vikings could prioritize the interior offensive line in the NFL Draft and @MattAnderson_8 identified one per round.

The Minnesota Vikings have been searching for stability on their offensive line for a long time. They drafted guard Ed Ingram last season in the hopes of solidifying that position. While he showed glimpses of promise, the Vikings could consider drafting competition.

Additionally, Ezra Cleveland is on an expiring contract and there are no assurances that he will return in 2024. While the Vikings likely won’t use a high draft pick on an interior offensive lineman, it would be wise to examine the draft class.

Let’s examine one guard or center from each round of the draft who may fit well with the Vikings.