Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as preparations continue for the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine?
After the NFL announced a much larger salary-cap hike than many anticipated, the Washington Commanders are in an even better position to make improvements this offseason. It's an embarrassment of riches for general manager Adam Peters. Extracting maximum value could tell us plenty about how long this rebuild is going to take.
It's not just free agency taking up the attention of those in power. The NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner. As we've seen in previous years, this is a good time to firmly cement draft boards, speak to agents regarding contract extensions, and perhaps even examine trade opportunities if the right opportunities present themselves.
While we wait for further developments, the stories generating conversation include Ryan Kerrigan's gratitude, when Peters and Dan Quinn will speak at the Combine, Eric Bieniemy's next stop, and the prospect of trading back from No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Adam Peters and Dan Quinn to speak at NFL Scouting Combine
The Washington Commanders have a plethora of high-end draft picks at their disposal in 2024. Therefore, one should expect to see Adam Peters and Dan Quinn prominent at scouting events and pro days leading up to the big weekend. Arguably the biggest of all is the NFL Scouting Combine, which will be a hotbed of activity over the next few days in Indianapolis.
There will also be a chance for media members to perhaps get some clues about how Washington's new power couple might approach the offseason. Peters will talk to reporters on Tuesday, February 27 at 11.30 a.m. Eastern Time. Quinn's time on the podium has been scheduled for Wednesday at 1.00 p.m.
It's unlikely either Quinn or Peters will be giving too much away, especially where the No. 2 pick is concerned. But there should be a few interesting tidbits to whet the appetite heading into a pivotal recruitment period.
Ryan Kerrigan's excitement
There has been plenty of coaching staff turnover where the Washington Commanders are concerned this offseason. This was to be expected following the introduction of Dan Quinn, but a few managed to get a reprieve thanks to their sterling contributions under the previous regime.
Ryan Kerrigan will get the opportunity to blossom further as part of Quinn's grand plans for the future. The former edge rusher will take on the new role of assistant linebackers coach/pass-rush specialist moving forward. After seeing how demoralized everyone became during Ron Rivera's final days, he's already noticed a surge in enthusiasm based on comments via USA Today Sports.
"I’m very excited. Coach [Dan] Quinn has brought a really good jolt of energy to the program, and I’m excited to get going with it. Coach [Joe] Whitt has been very energetic in our meetings. Same with Coach Quinn, so we’re excited to get going and get the ball rolling."Ryan Kerrigan via USA Today Sports
Kerrigan accomplished more than most throughout a glittering playing career. He commands instant respect within the locker room. Although Washington's young pass-rushers didn't maximize their chances when Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded before the 2023 deadline, any recruits this offseason will have a strong hand guiding them in the right direction.
Eric Bieniemy's next stop
Eric Bieniemy is heading back to college. The former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator wasn't retained by new head coach Dan Quinn after an indifferent first season. With job opportunities scarce around the league, the experienced figure has decided to head back west and join DeShaun Foster's exciting project at UCLA.
Bieniemy will take on the role of associate head coach/offensive coordinator with the Bruins. In an email to reporters via Adam Schefter of ESPN, the two-time Super Bowl winner is relishing the prospect of molding the next generation.
"Southern California. I attended high school there. I started my career in the league here [with the Chargers]. It's obviously great to be back with the Bruins, where I was previously employed. This is a great opportunity for me to help support DeShaun [Foster] as a head coach, to work with him and to work for him as well. My goal is to help him to be a successful head coach in our profession. It's an opportunity for my family and I to return back to a place that we once called home."Eric Bieniemy via ESPN
After dealing with professional players - many of whom were not exactly thrilled with Bieniemy's methods - going back to the collegiate ranks could be exactly what he needs. These are young hopefuls looking to learn and grow. They'll no doubt become inspired by the play-caller's passion and high standards immediately.
What this means for Bieniemy's NFL future remains to be seen. But one has to wonder if it's the last we've seen from him at the pro level.
Commanders trade down in CBS Sports mock draft
All signs are currently pointing to the Washington Commanders selecting a quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, nothing will be off the table as general manager Adam Peters looks to hit on his first draft as the team's new front-office supremo.
Many analysts project this to be a straight battle between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Trading up for Caleb Williams seems like an impossible ask. Peters could also take this opportunity to get a king's ransom from elsewhere by trading back.
This was a scenario projected by Tom Fornelli from CBS Sports. Instead of going down the conventional route, the writer traded down to No. 8 after a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Terms of the trade were not disclosed. Washington took offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with their selection.
"Like [J.C.] Latham, [Olu] Fashanu is a better pass-blocker than run-blocker, but Latham is further ahead in that aspect, so I have him slightly ahead of Fashanu now. That said, I love Olu, an outstanding pass-blocker who is strong enough to hold up against a power rusher and athletic enough to move quickly and counter speed rushers. He also does an excellent job of diagnosing threats pre-snap and adjusting after the snap."Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports
I am a big fan of Fashanu's. His elite pass protection is something the Commanders desperately need on their blindside. There is some work to do in terms of run blocking, but the athletic intangibles suggest more development will arrive once he gets to the pros.
What this means for football's most important position is debatable. The Commanders could take one later. They could trade for one or sign a veteran in free agency. They could also run it back with Sam Howell.