The Washington Commanders made fortifying their trenches a big priority this offseason. Adam Peters saw how these critical areas became unstuck in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s working hard to ensure this doesn’t become an ongoing issue.

 

And there is one overlooked prospect drawing significant interest from the Commanders heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

 

Peters doesn’t have much draft capital to utilize right now. The Commanders boast five picks after some frantic trade activity in recent months. That should help in the short term, but it makes the general manager’s task more difficult when the selection event arrives.

 

The Commanders would like more picks, so moving down in the first or second round is the best way to extract maximum value. Peters is adept at moving up or down the board to benefit the team. He’s also proven his worth as a shrewd negotiator during discussions to further raise optimism.

 

Commanders reportedly showing strong pre-draft interest in Adin Huntington

Washington’s local pro day provided another opportunity for the Commanders to examine the credentials of Adin Huntington. The Tulane standout revealed to Josh Taylor from USA Today that he met with a star-studded cast of coaches and front-office personnel privately once on-field activities concluded.

 

Among those who met with Huntington included Dan Quinn, Peters, Ryan Kerrigan, and Darryl Tapp. This is an intriguing revelation, something that puts the prospect firmly on Washington’s radar.

 

It was also the third time Huntington had met with Washington’s brass throughout the process. He spoke with them at the CGS All-Star Game and his local pro day. This is due diligence if nothing else, but three meetings state that the Commanders like what they see (and hear).

 

Huntington made a name for himself at Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to the Green Wave. He’s versatile and athletic enough to play anywhere along the defensive line in a variety of techniques. These traits are valued highly by Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. within their schematic concepts.

 

The prospect’s testing numbers are exceptional. He’s not the biggest, so Huntington needs to brush up on his run-stopping technique before confidence in his chances increases. But his high work ethic makes him extremely coachable.

 

Just where Huntington will be taken is anyone’s guess. Most analysts have him tabbed as a late Day 3 selection. Others have him going undrafted. The Commanders have picks in the sixth or seventh round, so they could have the luxury to take him if other pressing priorities are filled beforehand.

 

Huntington fits the physical profile. His 9.6 Relative Athletic Score is a testament to the intangibles he brings to the table. If the Commanders can nurture his talent and bring him along gradually, this could be a possible sleeper when push comes to shove.

 

The Commanders made some decent additions to their defensive line this offseason. They also re-signed some on the fringes who flashed during their memorable run to the final four. However, Peters will not be settling by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Huntington is drawing interest from the Commanders. Whether it amounts to anything more hasn’t been determined, but this is a notable development worth monitoring at the very least.

 

 

 

 

 

Speculation resurfaced around the Washington Commanders entering the Trey Hendrickson trade sweepstakes after the defensive end’s criticism of comments made by the Cincinnati Bengals. But for now, general manager Adam Peters had something else in mind.

 

The Commanders have already spent significant draft assets in the trade market this offseason. They’ve acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., which could be good value for a fifth-round pick if the versatile weapon bounces back from a down year with the San Francisco 49ers. Prolific left tackle Laremy Tunsil cost a lot more, but he’s an elite-level performer who’ll completely change the offensive line’s landscape next season.

 

Whether the Commanders could still inquire about Hendrickson’s availability remains to be seen. Peters is exploring all options in pursuit of bolstering the pass rush, including going against the grain with a notable curveball that took most by surprise.

 

Commanders add rugby player T.J. Maguranyanga to boost defensive line

The team confirmed the signing of T.J. Maguranyanga, who joins via the NFL’s international player program. The Zimbabwe rugby player won’t count against a roster spot and was reportedly in talks with several teams before choosing the Commanders.

 

Maguranyanga has some intriguing athletic measurables and carved out a successful (albeit brief) rugby career for himself. The 22-year-old has his sights set on the bigger and more lucrative world of the NFL. But this isn’t going to move the needle all that much.

 

Dan Quinn revealed at the NFL annual league meetings that he’s spending more time thinking about finding ways to counteract the Philadelphia Eagles’ tush push than getting the play outlawed. Signing a rugby player probably has something to do with that.

 

One quick examination of the mauls, rucks, and scrums involved in rugby — something akin to the NFL play made famous by the Eagles — and you can see the similarities. Just how much Maguranyanga can help stop this is highly debatable, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some input from a player well-versed in short-area physicality.

 

It might come to nothing, but the Commanders want to find out for sure. Not many offensive players or defenders have come through the international pathway program to make successful careers for themselves, but Maguranyanga is young and impressionable enough to be coached up if nothing else.

 

Hendrickson is on the opposite end of the spectrum. He’s an elite difference-maker with All-Pro-caliber credentials. He’s also going to cost much more from a draft compensation and contract standpoint.

 

Noah Igbinoghene is back to round off a decent-looking cornerback room.

 

Adam Peters placed a high value on keeping those around who made lasting contributions in 2024. With this year’s free agency class not exactly brimming with talent, the Washington Commanders are running it back with most in the hope of further progress next season.

 

The Commanders’ latest re-signing was more popular than most — something that provides Washington with a potentially prolific cornerback foursome for good measure.

 

Noah Igbinoghene came to the fore in 2024 when given an opportunity. The failings of others in the cornerback room forced Washington’s defensive staff into a change of pace. It was a big gamble, but the rewards were evident.

 

Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. deserve praise for pivoting. They switched rookie slot specialist Mike Sainristil to the outside, moving Igbinoghene to the nickel role. The improvements were immediate and the former first-round pick deservedly received another commitment from the franchise.

 

Noah Igbinoghene extension provides extra security in Commanders cornerback room

Igbinoghene hadn’t met the expectations of a first-round pick before landing in Washington. Quinn thought there was something more to give after working with him on the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. It took a little time and it wasn’t perfect by any stretch, but there were far more good moments than bad.

 

The Commanders now have four relatively decent cornerback options at their disposal. Four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore leads the way and should bounce back with a full offseason to prepare and get healthy. Sainristil looked like a superstar in Year 1 of his professional career and should flourish further. Washington also secured Jonathan Jones in free agency following his prolific stint with the New England Patriots.

 

With Igbinoghene also on board for another season at least, it’s a solid quartet. It shouldn’t stop Peters from acquiring another cornerback via the 2025 NFL Draft, but the need is less urgent. That is good news considering the Commanders only have five selections as things stand.

 

It’s been a modest free agency aside from the bombshell trade to acquire left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Igbinoghene’s extension is the latest example of the trust attached to players who rose to the big occasion last season.

 

This one is different. Unlike some 30-somethings without much good football left, Igbinoghene could be only just scratching the surface of what he’s capable of.

 

He’s just turned 25 years old entering his prime. His confidence will be high after accumulating significant reps last season and playing well. There’s a good chance the Auburn product can build on this if complacency doesn’t become an issue.

 

If Igbinoghene can continue to learn, grow, and benefit from having some outstanding options around him, it would be surprising if he didn’t take another leap forward next season. If that comes to fruition, another longer-term commitment might be coming his way in Washington or elsewhere this time next year.

 

 

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Trey Hendrickson is talented, but Myles Garrett is on a different level.

Trey Hendrickson | Cooper Neill/GettyImages Let’s establish two key points from the start. If the Washington Commanders were to trade for Cincinnati Bengals’ All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, he would immediately become the best pass rusher they’ve had since Ryan Kerrigan, who never came close to matching Hendrickson’s 35 sacks over the last two seasons.

The second point is that Hendrickson doesn’t quite measure up to Myles Garrett.

The “go all in, no matter what it takes” approach that might apply to a cquiring Garrett is not one the Commanders should adopt for Hendrickson, even though he could make a strong impact.

When the San Francisco 49ers were in a tight spot financially, Adam Peters made a great move by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The Bengals find themselves in a similar situation. Their priority is retaining core players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, which leaves little space for Hendrickson.

Timing is crucial here.

Bengals general manager Duke Tobin had been publicly hopeful of extending Hendrickson, but the moment Maxx Crosby’s contract with the Raiders was announced, Tobin realized that the market for elite defensive ends had shifted. Cincinnati now faces the reality that they might not meet Hendrickson’s financial demands.

This development is vital for the Commanders or any team looking to trade for Hendrickson. Peters is unlikely to give up the draft capital required for a trade if he views Hendrickson as a short-term solution. That’s not how he operates.

Peters would want to negotiate a contract extension with Hendrickson to keep him in Washington through 2026 or 2027. Fortunately, Peters has been exceptionally smart during his tenure in D.C., and he’s unlikely to make a poor decision.

The Commanders face a tough choice between Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett this offseason. Washington isn’t in a strong position when it comes to draft capital.

Paul Dehner Jr. from The Athletic recently outlined what similar players to Hendrickson have cost in recent years. Only one top-tier edge rusher — Bradley Chubb in 2022 — was traded for a first-round pick. That first-rounder was the 29th pick — the same pick Washington holds this year.

At the time, Chubb was four years younger than Hendrickson. Most top pass rushers, from established veterans like Von Miller and Khalil Mack to younger stars like Brian Burns and Washington’s own Montez Sweat, have been traded for second-round picks.

Given the Commanders’ strong performance in 2024, their second-round pick doesn’t come until pick No. 61. Unless the market shifts dramatically, that won’t be enough to land Hendrickson. Therefore, Peters may need to be creative.

He could consider trading away his first-round pick along with other assets to acquire Hendrickson and potentially some late-round picks this year. This trade scenario, suggested by Ben Standig from The Athletic, makes sense.

Alternatively, Peters could trade back from the first round to gain more draft capital and then use that to secure Hendrickson while replenishing his draft stock.

The Commanders have emphasized that building through the draft under Peters is their preferred approach. This is how most successful organizations operate, as it’s more efficient and cost-effective than relying on expensive free-agent acquisitions.

Trading away a first-round pick contradicts this philosophy. During his time with the 49ers, Peters saw firsthand how John Lynch avoided giving up a first-round pick for a young star like Christian McCaffrey, opting instead for multiple high picks.

While the recent acquisition of Samuel might not have cost much, it did further reduce Washington’s draft resources. The team currently has six picks, only three of which are in the first 200. A trade for Hendrickson would deplete those resources even further, potentially limiting their ability to secure additional picks.

Then there’s the matter of salary.

Crosby’s contract is worth three years, $106.5 million, with the majority of it guaranteed. This works out to around $35 million per season, nearly $10 million more than Washington’s highest-paid player, Daron Payne.

Would Peters be willing to disrupt the team’s salary structure, particularly when it would mean over $50 million invested in two defensive linemen?

While Hendrickson likely won’t command Crosby-like money — given Crosby’s age and importance to the Raiders — Hendrickson’s representatives will still seek a deal close to that range, and he has no obligation to agree to an extension.

Financially, despite the appeal, it doesn’t make much sense.

 

 

The rising star is fired up about his new wide receiver in Washington.

 

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles during the first quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles during the first quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

As the 2025 NFL Combine winds down in Indianapolis, the Washington Commanders find themselves as the talk of the league after trading for longtime San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

 

The Commanders entered the offseason in search of reinforcements alongside All-Pro Terry McLaurin to help rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels continue to ascend. After being linked to Chris Godwin and Tee Higgins, Washington was instead able to part with a fifth-round pick to land Samuel.

 

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels poses with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award during Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre.

Daniels has already made it clear that he’s excited about his newest target. In the aftermath of the trade going down, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year shared a two-word reaction on Instagram that shows he’s ready for more following Washington’s run to an NFC Championship appearance.

 

“Let’s work!” Daniels wrote while tagging Samuel.

 

Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels/Instagram

The deal doesn’t come without risks as Washington is now on the hook for the entirety of his $17.55 million salary in 2025. Samuel played at less than 100% for most of last season, missing two games while dealing with calf, wrist, oblique, and rib injuries along with a bout of pneumonia that briefly put him into the hospital.

 

Samuel finished the 2024 campaign with 806 total yards and four touchdowns both of which were the second-worst of his career outside of a 2020 season when he played in just seven games. He recorded a season-high eight catches for 110 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 15.

 

The 49ers drafted Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He requested a trade from San Francisco during the 2022 offseason but ultimately signed a three-year/$71.5 million contract with the franchise. Samuel wanted to move on again following the conclusion of last season and general manager John Lynch honored his request.

 

Deebo Samuel

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) celebrates after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium.

If Samuel can recover this offseason and use the motivation from the trade to bounce back, he could be a difference-maker in Washington. He’s only a few years removed from an All-Pro season in 2021 where he caught 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns along with rushing 59 times for 365 yards and eight more scores.

 

Daniels has to be salivating as the Commanders have acquired Samuels and retained offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury over the last few weeks. As a rookie, the No. 2 overall pick completed 331/480 passes for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Daniels added 148 rushes for 891 yards and six scores.

 

Washington will continue to search for pieces to add around Daniels during free agency and the NFL Draft.

 

Which Wide Receivers Do The Commanders Have Under Contract For 2025?

Chris Moore, 10th year

 

Terry McLaurin, 7th year

 

Deebo Samuel, 7th year

 

Lawrence Cager, 6th year

 

Mike Strachan, 5th year

 

Demetric Felton, 5th year

 

Kazmeir Allen, 3rd year

 

Luke McCafferey, 2nd year

 

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

 

Washington has the third-most cap space in the NFL

 

The NFL sets their salary cap every year after the season and before the new league year. It had been steadily rising by $10-12 million since 2013. A new CBA was signed in 2012 after a lockout, and TV deals pumped a ton of money into the league’s coffers which allowed the pot to grow for players. That changed four years ago as the NFL looked to spread out some of the losses from the last three years. The cap dropped $15.7 million from 2020 to 2021, but it bounced back three years ago, and has been growing bigger every year since. The NFL sent a memo to teams today saying the salary cap will fall in the range of $277.5-281.5 million for the 2015 season.

 

The Washington Commanders currently have $82.2 million available according to Over the Cap, but that is based on their $279.5 million cap projection. Washington currently has the third-most cap space in the NFL, based on current numbers.

 

Washington is coming off their best season since 1991, improving from 4-13 under Ron Rivera, to 12-5 under new GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn. This turnaround started in 2023 when Josh Harris bought the team, and the entire fanbase cheered as former owner Dan Snyder sailed away to Europe. Peters and Quinn overhauled the roster, bringing in a lot of vets on 1-year deals via free agency, before taking former LSU QB Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick.

 

The Commanders’ season ended with a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. That loss is driving Daniels, Peters, Quinn, Harris, and everyone in the organization to improve, and take the next steps towards a championship.

 

Free agency officially starts on March 12, with the legal tempering window opening two days before that. Washington will need to make decisions on their own large list of pending free agents, and also the players they are trying to add to the team for season two of their roster recalibration.

 

The Commanders have the 29th pick in the this year’s draft, and seven picks total after several trades. Washington will look to free agency, and possibly more trades, to fill their old and new needs after a surprisingly good season. Adam Peters and crew will then look at the draft to restock the roster with more young, cheap talent.

 

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium.

; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) after throwing a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium.

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The Washington Commanders quickly vaulted up to the top of Super Bowl-contending teams in 2024 after years of mediocrity. After coming under new ownership, the brass in Washington made all the right moves this past offseason, from their hiring of Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, and the rest of the coaching staff to landing their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

 

The combination of all this hit big as the Commanders finished the regular season with a 12-5 record before making a deep playoff run to the NFC Championship, something that hadn’t happened for the franchise in over 30 years.

 

When examining the Commanders’ 2024 roster, there were plenty of veterans that stood out for why the season was successful. However, when looking at the rookie classes across the league, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice had the Commanders coming away with the top rookie draft class this season.

 

“Yes, Jayden Daniels is the biggest reason Washington tops this ranking, but he isn’t the only reason. In his first draft as a general manager, Adam Peters selected impact starters on both sides of the football, helping the Commanders go from 4-13 cellar-dwellers to 12-5 NFC Championship Game participants. That said, Peters’ first pick did provide an outsized benefit, giving Washington the league’s most valuable commodity: a true franchise quarterback.”

 

Jayden Daniels was spectacular in his first season in the league, immediately becoming one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the league – even drawing comparisons to former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson on his way to winning NFL Rookie of the Year.

 

One could have made the case for the Los Angeles Rams to be in the top spot due to what they were able to accomplish, but ultimately, Filice went with the Commanders as they hit multiple levels in the draft, with major contributions coming from them all including defensive back Mike Sainristil who showed a knack for being around the ball at all times.

 

“No moment is too big, no task too daunting — and that’s a quality reflected by courageous cover man Mike Sainristil. The 5-foot-9, 182-pounder was drafted to play nickel, but the Commanders’ perimeter cornerbacks couldn’t hold their own in the first two weeks of the season, so Washington sent Sainristil outside. The rookie answered the bell with aplomb, finishing the season with four interceptions, including two in Washington’s playoff upset of Detroit.”

 

Both Daniels and Sainristil were the stars of the Commanders’ draft this past season, but the likes of Jer’Zhan Newton, Luke McCaffrey, and Brandon Coleman, amongst others, saw valuable time throughout the year as the team asked for their young players to step up to reach the heights they did.

 

There is still much to be achieved by these Commanders, and while their future is undoubtedly bright, they will need these young players to improve and develop as they head into their second seasons with a Lombardi Trophy on their minds.

 

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

 

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Fresh off a conference championship game appearance, an Offensive Rookie of the Year award for Jayden Daniels, and more hype surrounding the squad since the 90’s, Washington will enter a critical 2025 offseason.

 

One of the major areas Adam Peters and company will need to address is Washington’s offensive line.

 

Advanced Metrics:

Despite a 12-5 rerecord and a trip to the conference championship game, the Commanders offensive line did not fare well in 2024 when it comes to advanced metrics.

 

PFF is certainly not the end-all-be-all, but these advanced stats do tend to match the eye test when it comes to overall offensive line play.

 

Pass Blocking: 22nd

Run Blocking: 28th

Looking at SIS can tell a similar story:

 

Player Blown Blocks Pass Rush

 

Coleman 27 25 2

 

Allegretti 27 17 10

 

Wylie 26 18 8

 

Cosmi 23 13 10

 

Biadasz 18 7 11

 

Sacks Allowed:

 

Coleman: 12 (2nd most in NFL)

 

Wylie: 5

 

Allegretti: 5

 

Biadasz: 3

 

Cosmi: 2

 

The question when looking at overall offensive line play, is how much did Jayden Daniels cover some of this group’s deficiencies?

 

Current Starting Depth Chart and Corresponding Color Grade:

Blue – “Blue-Chippers”; Pro-Bowl Type Player

 

Red – Solid Starter

 

Orange – Average Starter

 

Yellow – Below Average Starter/Backup

 

LT – Brandon Coleman: Yellow

 

*Could be an Orange or possibly a Red at Guard

 

LG – Nick Allegretti: Yellow

 

*Best as a back-up

 

C – Tyler Biadasz – Red

 

*Top 15 center

 

RG – Sam Cosmi: Blue

 

*Pro Bowl/All-Pro potential

 

RT – Andrew Wylie: Yellow

 

*Could be better as a guard

 

Offseason Plan:

There is no doubt Adam Peters needs to improve this offensive line both in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Rookie phenom Jayden Daniels did a lot to mask the deficiencies of this unit, however it’s imperative to protect the rising super-star and get better, especially at both bookends.

 

Washington currently has the resources in free agency, plus three top 100 picks in the draft, to improve their front five. Below is my plan to do so.

 

1.) Move Brandon Coleman inside to left guard and have Allegretti as a backup.

 

2.) Move Andrew Wylie inside to right guard while Sam Cosmi is working his way back from injury. Use him as a swing OT/backup G when Cosmi returns.

 

3.) Sign an offensive tackle in free agency (preferably a LT)

 

Free Agent Targets

 

– Ronnie Stanley (31) Ravens

 

– Alaric Jackson (27) Rams

 

– Cam Robinson (30) Vikings

 

– Jedrick Wills (26) Browns

 

4.) Draft an offensive tackle with one of our top three draft picks (preferably a RT)

 

Draft Prospects:

 

– Josh Simmons Ohio St. (Rd 1)

 

– Cameron Williams Texas (Rd 1)

 

– Josh Conerly Oregon (Rd 1)

 

– Jonah Savaiinaea Arizona (Rd 2)

 

– Emery Jones LSU (Rd 2)

 

– Aireontae Ersery Minn. (Rd 2)

 

– Grey Zabel N. Dakota St. (Rd. 2-3) *T/G prospect

 

New 2025 Offensive Line:

 

LT – Alaric Jackson (FA)

 

LG – Brandon Coleman

 

C – Tyler Biadasz

 

RG – Sam Cosmi (Andrew Wylie as a place-holder as needed)

 

RT – Emery Jones (NFL Draft Rd 2)

 

Backup G – Nick Allegretti

 

Swing OT – Andrew Wylie

 

The Commanders were poor in both run blocking and pass protection in 2024. Signing a veteran like Alaric Jackson will help eliminate two problems. He will lock down the left side for the foreseeable future and it allows the young, athletic Coleman to kick inside to guard, completely changing the dynamics on the left side. Biadasz will continue to hold down center and hopefully Cosmi can return from injury early in the season and provide stability at right guard.

If Cosmi misses some games, Wylie can kick inside to guard until he’s ready to return. The powerful rookie Emery Jones takes over as the team’s right tackle, giving Washington two legitimate bookends to help keep Jayden Daniels upright and open up holes for our running backs. Allegretti and Wylie will be valuable veteran backups. There will also be some depth signings and draft picks to help fill out the 53-man roster.

 

Now I do feel we need an upgrade at running back – someone with better vision and burst will help the o-line look that much better. That, however, will be saved for another article.

 

 

 

Ron Rivera didn’t get much right during his four NFL Drafts as Washington Commanders’ head coach and roster constructor. This was no more evident than with his first-round selections.

 

None of the quartet chosen by Rivera in the first round are still with the franchise. Chase Young and Jahan Dotson were traded. Jamin Davis and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. were waived. The fact Washington did so well in Year 1 under the new regime without any influence from the team’s recent high-end draft capital is extraordinary.

 

Forbes was arguably the most tragic tale of all. Nobody expected him to be a first-round pick. There were significant red flags regarding his weight and overall physique despite an exceptional college career at Mississippi State. Rivera had other ideas, focusing almost solely on the cornerback despite a golden opportunity falling into his lap.

 

That, of course, was Christian Gonzalez.

 

Many anticipated Gonzalez to be a top-10 pick. Some even had him going in the opening five selections. When he dropped to No. 16 overall, Rivera dismissed the possibility and chose Forbes. That was a grave error in judgment and another nail in his proverbial Washington head-coaching coffin.

 

Forbes got bullied at the pro level. His coverage was subpar and he quickly became a tackling liability. Gonzalez had problems with injuries as a rookie, but he bounced back incredibly well to emerge as one of the league’s most promising coverage presences on the boundary.

 

Reporter highlights Commanders’ front-office dissension over Ron Rivera’s personnel approach

A recent report from JP Finlay of NBC Sports highlighted the inner frustration regarding Rivera’s woeful personnel decisions. He revealed there was screaming within the Commanders’ draft room when he went with Forbes over Gonzalez. His ignorance regarding typical NFL-caliber size wasn’t well-received by others in the front office. He paid a heavy price.

 

“Not to give away state secrets, right? But during the Ron [Rivera] era, there was real dissension within that front office on some of the philosophical decision-making as it related to size where they would askew. The easiest thing to point to, and I know there was a screaming match on draft day about the [Emmanuel] Forbes decision when [Christian] Gonzalez was there. This dude has prototype size, speed, has every measurable. And then you look at a lot of the decisions during that Ron era, it seemed like they were not scared to move away from what you would want from size, speed.”

JP Finlay

This wasn’t just restricted to the draft room. Fans were apoplectic on social media when the Forbes selection was announced. Rivera trusted his instincts and believed this was the right thing to solve Washington’s cornerback woes. He was wrong.

 

Nobody is looking back now. The Commanders are riding a tidal wave of positivity after reaching the NFC Championship game in Dan Quinn’s first season. Two-thirds of Rivera’s roster was overhauled by general manager Adam Peters. More big changes are on the way this offseason. Everything is looking up at long last.

 

It’s an exciting time. Rivera’s personnel mishaps are firmly in the back of everyone’s mind right now. There is more professionalism and collaboration in the decision-making process than ever. And the early results speak for themselves.

 

Whiffing on one first-round pick is tolerable. Not hitting on four in succession is absolute malpractice.