Which Washington Commanders news stories are taking up the column inches as preparations for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft reach their closing stages?
We are now in the final few weeks before the Washington Commanders tackle the 2023 NFL Draft. Rumors and speculation are rife at this time of year, which also comes with smokescreens aplenty as teams around the league look to boost their chances of landing particular prospects of interest.
Among the news hitting the headlines this weekend include another defensive back visit, an offensive tackle prospect in high demand, Ron Rivera on his relationship with Dan Snyder, and the dire need for a stadium upgrade once new ownership is confirmed.
Let’s delve deeper into each topic.
Commanders set to host Illinois DB
The Washington Commanders were represented at Illinois’ pro day earlier this week. While the hot commodity was Devon Witherspoon – who put on an athletic clinic in front of NFL personnel – there was another defensive back that reportedly took the team’s eye.
According to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, the Commanders are set to host Jartavius Martin on a top-30 visit. The prospect is seen as a hybrid-type safety that can also operate as a slot coverage guy in the right scheme, which is exactly what Jack Del Rio needs to take this defense forward in 2023.
Martin is an intriguing prospect that could be available a little further down the pecking order. Something that might even lead to a wildcard pick from No. 16 overall along the way.
Commanders OT target in high demand
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders could use some extra assistance on their offensive line next season. Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie represent two new starters acquired in free agency, but finding a franchise edge protector should also be high on the team’s list of priorities during the 2023 NFL Draft.
One prospect that’s gained significant interest from the Commanders is Darnell Wright. The former Tennessee star has drawn rave reviews throughout the evaluation process, with many expecting him to be a top 20 lock thanks to his unique blend of size, functional strength, and agility.
Washington might be interested in Wright, but they aren’t alone. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the offensive tackle is set to meet with no fewer than 20 teams in the coming days during a whirlwind fortnight before the draft arrives.
"“Tennessee OT Darnell Wright is on a Top 30 visit with the Packers, source said, after spending time with the Bears. Next stop is the Bills on a tour that includes nearly 20(!) stops.”"
At one stage, it looked highly likely Wright would be around for the Commanders at No. 16 overall. Unfortunately for the franchise, that’s no longer the case and they might have to turn their attention elsewhere depending on what transpires in front of them.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera on Dan Snyder
There’s not going to be many tears shed among fans when Dan Snyder finally sells the Washington Commanders. Something that should happen soon with a reported deadline of May 22 set by other NFL owners.
A new ownership group will have its own ideas about how best to take the franchise forward. These might not include head coach Ron Rivera, who suffered a similar fate in 2019 when he was fired in-season by the Carolina Panthers after a difference of opinion with new owner David Tepper.
When speaking with Ben Standig of The Athletic about Snyder’s impending departure, Rivera was quick to highlight the many positive elements of their relationship. And most of them had absolutely nothing to do with football-related matters.
"“I get cancer. He’s at the … doctor’s office. OK, he went through cancer. And he explained to me, ‘Hey, you’re going to be fine. Just hang in there.’ You know, he called people at Johns Hopkins. He called people at (Cleveland Clinic) and got their opinion. He didn’t have to do that. But he did that. He made sure (Rivera’s wife) Stephanie understood. When my mom passed away, he was … there. ‘Ron, take the jet. You go be with the family.’ He allowed me to miss a day of practice to be there for my father.”"
The first thing Rivera wanted to do upon joining the Commanders was shift the culture. Something that got Snyder’s seal of approval and was even brought up in their immediate discussions before the respected figure agreed to become Washington’s head coach.
"“Maybe he found the light. Maybe he understood. Maybe when he called me and had me sit down with him when he was interviewing me … and said, ‘I need you to change our culture,’ he was sincere and meant it. Why can’t we go off of the person he is right now?”"
One cannot overlook the scandal, allegations, and everything in between surrounding Snyder as he gets set to ride off into the sunset with $6 billion or more in his pocket. But based on Rivera’s comments, he’s earned the coach’s respect no matter how he’s generally perceived around the league.
Commanders need a new stadium
There comes a time when a stadium quickly turns from a national treasure into a relic unfit for purpose. This is the case regarding FedEx Field, which is decaying to a level that must be addressed as a matter of urgency when the Washington Commanders are eventually sold by Dan Snyder.
The topic was recently discussed by Mike Florio and Chris Simms of Pro Football Talk. Florio, in particular, was scathing in his assessment of FedEx Field, adding that the excitement of ownership change was largely due to a potential new stadium announcement coming soon after.
"“If I was FedEx, what I would do at this point is pay even more money for them to put UPS on FedEx Field. Please name it after out top competitor because that place is a sh_ _ hole. That place needs to go, and that is one of the reasons people are excited about the sale of the team. Because chances are whoever gets the team is going to be given the keys to build a new stadium at the site of RFK.”"
Whether it was the sewage problems or the incident with Jalen Hurts, FedEx Field is not perceived in a good light these days. There is a sense of nostalgia surrounding the facility, but it’s not in keeping with most modern-day NFL stadiums that are industry-leading across the sporting world.
This will be one of many important resolutions for any new owner to resolve once they get to work. And it’s all part of the exciting new era in Washington when everything gets rubber-stamped.