Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as players formally begin their first on-field workouts of the preparation period today?
As the dust finally settles on the 2023 NFL Draft, attention immediately turns to the first batch of on-field workouts beginning on Monday. This is a chance for the Washington Commanders to start laying the foundations for what will hopefully become a profitable campaign for the organization next time around.
Among the news stories making headlines recently include Andre Jones Jr.’s willingness to assist in any capacity, Mel Kiper Jr. gives moderate grade for the Commanders’ draft, Emmanuel Forbes on his weight and durability concerns, and Ron Rivera’s happiness with Chris Rodriguez Jr. – the team’s new power running back.
Let’s delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Andre Jones Jr. ready to help Commanders
The Washington Commanders used their final selection of the 2023 NFL Draft on Andre Jones Jr. at No. 233 overall. While he is listed as a linebacker, the former Louisiana standout has the physical profile normally associated with an edge rusher at the next level and is likely to be deployed as such.
While attaining prominent reps might be difficult initially given the strength across Washington’s defensive front, Jones stated via the team’s website that he is willing to assist in whatever way possible. He also has the position versatility that Ron Rivera loves in his college recruits.
"“Anywhere they need me, I’m very versatile. You can put me inside put me outside. I bring the energy everywhere I go at any position.”"
Jones was relatively unheralded throughout the pre-draft process. But there’s a lot to like about his potential to impact the rotation moving forward providing strides are made during the upcoming preparation period.
Commanders draft grade from Mel Kiper Jr.
It was a solid draft overall for the Washington Commanders in 2023. They addressed key needs in the secondary and offensive line over the early stages and managed to scoop up some potential contributors further down the pecking order for good measure.
Every little helps where the Commanders are concerned heading into the new campaign. There’s a lot on the line for head coach Ron Rivera, who’ll be working under extreme pressure once the sale to Josh Harris and his ownership group is officially confirmed by the NFL.
ESPN’s respected draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. liked what he saw from Washington’s draft, giving them a B grade as a result of their acquisitions. However, he was quick to point out that passing on Hendon Hooker and Will Levis is not a route he’d have gone down.
"“So the Commanders really are going to go into the season with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett as their quarterbacks, huh? They passed on Will Levis and Hendon Hooker. I would have done differently, but at least I liked who they added in Round 1. The quarterback question likely will linger into 2024, and I’m not sure Washington hit all of its needs outside of the secondary with this class.”"
The plan was always to give Sam Howell a legitimate chance to become the team’s starting quarterback long-term. If it doesn’t work out, then a potential new coaching regime might look to enhance their fortunes at football’s most prestigious position early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Much will depend on how these incoming college recruits perform. But it could have been much worse for the Commanders all things considered.
Commanders have no concerns with Emmanuel Forbes
The Washington Commanders got their guy by spending the No. 16 overall selection on Emmanuel Forbes. While there’s no doubting the player’s credentials as the best ball-hawking cornerback in this year’s class, many concerns have been raised about his weight and how it might hold up against NFL opposition.
Forbes was one of the lightest prospects ever taken in the first round. This hasn’t impacted his ability to perform at an extremely high level in college, but adding additional muscle mass is something the player and Washington should be working toward before the regular season.
When discussing the doubts via Sports Illustrated recently, Forbes revealed the Commanders had no real issues about his size. After all, being a legitimate playmaker is far more important.
"“Weight is going to come over time. I’m not going to stress about it, they didn’t have a problem with it, that’s why they drafted me, so I’m just going to enjoy it and just keep on being myself and trying to gain weight but be comfortable. Honestly, they didn’t really care too much about my weight because I can play ball. That’s all that matters and it never affected my game, so it really didn’t play a factor.”"
Managing his weight and putting together a nutritional program that bulks up Forbes’ frame should be high on the Commanders’ list of priorities. However, it’s important to consider the impact this could have on the defensive back’s speed and explosiveness when push comes to shove.
If the Commanders could get Forbes up to around 180-90 pounds in time for the new campaign, the better his chances will be.
Ron Rivera on new Commanders RB
There was always a high likelihood of the Washington Commanders providing Eric Bieniemy with another weapon at the skill positions during the 2023 NFL Draft. The new play-caller had to wait a while, but they managed to pick up Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the sixth round.
The former Kentucky star is a powerful presence with the patience and vision to potentially carve out a rotational role for himself. Rodriguez will start behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson on the depth chart, but coming in as relief cannot be dismissed if he impresses enough this offseason.
Head coach Ron Rivera stated his belief in Rodriguez via Sports Illustrated and there is clear excitement surrounding the pick. More importantly, this was someone Bieniemy was eager to acquire and sees as a perfect fit for his system.
"“[We] feel very good about what we have with AG [Antonio Gibson] and we continue see the growth and development with B-Rob [Brian Robinson]. I mean, those are two young guys that we like a lot. Adding a physical player in Christopher is a guy that, talking to Eric (Bieniemy) and what Eric wants to do and how he wants to use him, in Eric’s mind, this is a guy that will fit what he wants. We’re pretty excited about being able to pick him. We had a higher grade on him too as well. So, we thought we got a lot of value here.”"
There are some things for Rodriguez to clean up in terms of pass-catching, route running out of the backfield, and from a blocking standpoint before further confidence in the player emerges. However, if anyone knows how best to maximize the production of late-round running backs based on recent history, it’s Bieniemy.