Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as those drafted and undrafted take the field later today for the star of rookie minicamp?
It promises to be a fascinating few days as the Washington Commanders begin their annual rookie minicamp later today and also eagerly await the NFL's schedule release. Whether incoming players heard their names called during the 2023 NFL Draft or not, everyone starts with a clean slate and will be given a definitive chance to impress coaches before linking up with veterans for OTAs in the coming weeks.
At yet, there's been focus beyond the gridiron once again. Among the stories causing debate recently include Washington's pending sale hitting a major bump, Sam Howell's controversial comparison, Emmanuel Forbes' selection at No. 16 overall continues to be scrutinized, and Quan Martin's role next season.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Story No. 1
Commanders love Quan Martin's versatility
Many shook their heads when the Washington Commanders selected a second-straight defensive back to kick off the 2023 NFL Draft. Especially considering their defense already has two productive safeties in Darrick Forrest and Kamren Curl.
However, there is more to Quan Martin than meets the eye. When discussing the pick recently via Sports Illustrated, general manager Martin Mayhew highlighted positional versatility as a big reason why they identified the former Illinois star as a prospect of interest.
"He did end up having to play corner. So the guy's shown that he can do all those things and he has more than just a safety skillset. He can come down and play corner for you or the nickel for you."Martin Mayhew via Sports Illustrated
Just what sort of role Martin can carve out for himself next season remains to be seen. But his ability to occupy multiple positions is only going to serve him well under head coach Ron Rivera.
Commanders taking Emmanuel Forbes gets scrutiny
Emmanuel Forbes was always the guy coveted by the Washington Commanders. Based on what's emerged following the pick at No. 16 overall, it's almost as if Ron Rivera took on the Kevin Costner role in Draft Day with a piece of yellow paper with "Forbes, no matter what" thanks to his steadfast belief.
That hasn't stopped the selection from being scrutinized heavily. While Forbes is an undeniable ballhawk, there are some major concerns about whether his frame can hold up against more physically imposing wide receivers over a 17-game NFL season.
This was highlighted by Jason Reid of ESPN recently, who named the Commanders' taking Forbes as his biggest head-scratcher of the 2023 NFL Draft. A notion that was seconded in the same article by former general manager turned analyst Mike Tannenbaum.
"Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes to the Washington Commanders at No. 16. It was bad enough that the Commanders didn't address their offensive line in the first round. But to instead take a 166-pound player so high, well, their whole approach here was a true head-scratcher."Jason Reid via ESPN
The former Mississippi State stud has no doubt heard all the questions and unfair criticism leveled at his door before and after the draft. What's important for the explosive defensive back is harnessing this negative energy into extra motivation - which all starts by showing out at Washington's rookie minicamp.
Commanders QB Sam Howell not 'playoff-caliber'
Ron Rivera is likely betting his job on Sam Howell becoming a productive NFL starting quarterback. The head coach seems intent on giving the former fifth-round selection every chance to firmly establish himself, with the Washington Commanders failing to pursue top free agents, refusing to enter the Lamar Jackson sweepstakes, and ignoring prospects such as Will Levis and Hendon Hooker when they began sliding during the 2023 NFL Draft.
That is a significant leap of faith considering Howell has just one start under his belt. But there's a chance sitting the player for almost his entire rookie campaign can reap huge rewards this time around.
This is not the opinion shared by everyone. During a recent appearance on 106.7 The Fan with Lynnell Willingham via the Commanders Wire, ESPN's draft analyst Matt Miller - who compared Howell to Colt McCoy during his evaluations - stated he does not see a playoff-caliber presence under center in the North Carolina product, even if many want to believe the possibility heading into his sophomore campaign.
"I do not see him as a playoff-caliber quarterback, I’m sorry. I know people wanna believe; I just don’t. Coming out of college there was definitely talk in the lead-up to the season that he could be a QB1. It was him, and Spencer Rattler were the toast of the town, and it didn’t work out for either guy."Matt Miller, ESPN via Commanders Wire
There will always be skeptics given Howell's inexperience. That's what makes ignoring the outside noise and focusing on what he can control of paramount importance.
Commanders sale hits major bump in the road
Nothing is ever simple.
With so much optimism surrounding Josh Harris and his ownership group's bid to buy the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion, it was easy to overlook the potential complications. And it didn't take long for reports to surface after the NFL's finance committee began running the rule over the intricacies of the offer.
Following the latest batch of NFL owners' meetings, Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post (subscription required) - citing unnamed sources - revealed that the committee found some problems regarding the bid. Namely, the number of partners and whether Harris had the equity to be a majority owner.
One source stated to the Post via Pro Football Talk that the sale was now in a "we'll see" stage rather than something concrete becoming official in the not-too-distant future.
"Everyone wants it to get done. I’m not saying it can’t get done. I don’t know. We’ll have to see."Unnamed Source via Pro Football Talk
The league will obviously keep pushing for the deal to get finalized in pursuit of finally ridding themselves of Dan Snyder, who's been a stain on the NFL for more than two decades. But if other owners aren't convinced, they'll have no option other than to vote against the tentative agreement.
This is demoralizing news for Commanders fans, who just want a fresh start without Snyder. Something they might have to wait a while longer for yet.