Daily Slop – 25 Feb 25 – Commanders LT fits; free agent tiers; draft rankings; Mel Kiper mock draft

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders

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Articles

Bullock’s Film Room (subscription)

Commanders Free Agent Fits: Left Tackle

Taking a look at a couple of left tackles that the Washington Commanders could potentially target in free agency

High Profile: Ronnie Stanley, 30

One of the most appealing aspects of Stanley’s game is his pass protection and specifically, his athleticism in pass protection. Stanley is capable of matching some of the most explosive rushers in the game off the edge and taking away that speed rush option, forcing them to find another way to win.

But it’s not just speed rushes off the edge that Stanley’s athleticism helps handle.

On this play, Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett rushes up the field before using a spin move to try and get back inside. Spin moves can be really tough for tackles to block because they have to stop their momentum and restarted their feet going back inside to cut it off all in one smooth, fluid motion. It can expose any athletic weaknesses the tackle might have, but on this play we see Stanley handle it well. Stanley gets out of his stance quickly off the snap and gets plenty of depth to try and handle any threat of a speed rush from Garrett. He lands a solid punch on him too, which tells Garrett he’s not getting past him on the edge.

Garrett then transitions into his spin move, spinning back inside and using his arm as a club to try and knock Stanley away. Stanley does a terrific job matching the spin move. He is able to slow his feet, open his hips back inside and take a big step with his inside leg to close off the lane that Garrett attempts to attack. Now Garrett is relentless and is able to generate some pressure by working back outside after the spin, but there’s only so long you can expect a left tackle to be able to block Garrett on their own. Stanley did a great job cutting off the speed to the edge and then redirecting back inside to cut off the spin move too. By that point the ball should have been out.

While Stanley is known for his quick feet and finesse blocking at left tackle, he can also pack a punch. Stanley has a good understanding of when to throw his punches and knows that a well timed punch can be incredibly disruptive to a pass rusher.

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Commanders.com

Mock Draft Monday | NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice has Washington bolstering its OL at No. 29

Now, the Commanders are picking on the opposite end of the first round with the No. 29 overall selection. They got the most important piece last year with Daniels, but there are still several positions they need to address before the 2025 season begins.

In anticipation of that selection, Commanders.com will highlight one mock draft from a draft expert each week to delve into how that player, or players, would fit with Washington. We’ll start by looking at a mock draft from NFL.com’s Deputy Editor of written content Gennaro Filice, who has the Commanders address a need on the offensive line.

Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon

The Commanders found their quarterback; now they need to protect him.

That’s what Filice said when he put out his first mock draft last week. Daniels, who was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year for putting up over 5,000 total yards in the regular and postseason, proved that he can thrive under pressure and avoid pass-rushers with ease. Still, Daniels was sacked 47 times — the sixth-highest number in the league and far too often for an offense that ranked seventh in yards per game.

So, Filice has the Commanders taking one of the best offensive tackles in the draft to bolster Daniels’ protection up front.

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Conerly is a physical blocker in the run game who knows how to finish. In his first year as a starter, He posted a run-block grade of 66 on 317 running plays.

Where Conerly thrives the most, however, is as a pass-blocker. Back in 2023, he was part of an offensive line that allowed just five sacks all season. He allowed just one sack and two quarterback hits, which helped him post a 76.9 pass-blocking grade.

Conerly was even more effective in 2024. He allowed just one sack and five pressures — nine fewer than he did in 2023.

Conerly showed the most potential during the Big Ten Championship, which pitted him against edge rusher Abdul Carter, who many consider to be the best prospect in this year’s draft class. On 35 pass-blocking snaps, Conerly allowed zero sacks or pressures with an efficiency grade of 100.

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Podcasts & videos

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NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Commanders Questions That Need Answered in Indianapolis

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NFC East links

Blogging the Boys

Why the Cowboys shouldn’t try to match the Eagles roster-building approach

Over the last four seasons, eight teams have a winning percentage of 60% or greater (including playoffs). Here are those teams:

Over the last four seasons, eight teams have a winning percentage of 60% or greater (including playoffs). Here are those teams:

The Cowboys are fifth on this list, so we should entertain the notion that they must be doing some things right even if improvements are needed. What are these other teams doing? If we looked at how much of the cap is already allocated in future years for these eight teams, it looks as follows:

This shows us one thing we already know – the Eagles are already spending tomorrow’s money. They have already committed nearly 60% (2028), 40% (2029), and 35% (2030) of future seasons cap budget. That’s a lot.

It also shows a couple of things we might not have realized. The Cowboys are using more future cap resources than the league average every season for the next five years. That doesn’t fit the narrative that the Cowboys aren’t spending money to win. They’re spending and they’re using future resources to help win now.

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NFL league links

Articles – Free Agency

ESPN

2025 NFL free agency: Best players available on offense

Quarterbacks

Tier 4: Borderline starters/high-end backups

Free agents: Jacoby Brissett, Patriots; Justin Fields, Steelers; Daniel Jones, Vikings; Russell Wilson, Steelers

Possible cap casualties: Gardner Minshew, Raiders; Aaron Rodgers, Jets

Tier 5: Backups likely to net guaranteed money

Free agents: Joe Flacco, Colts; Jimmy Garoppolo, Rams; Taylor Heinicke, Chargers; Mac Jones, Jaguars; Drew Lock, Giants; Marcus Mariota, Commanders; Nick Mullens, Vikings; Mason Rudolph, Titans; Cooper Rush, Cowboys; Jarrett Stidham, Broncos; Carson Wentz, Chiefs; Jameis Winston, Browns

Running Backs

Tier 3: Capable starters

Free agents: Najee Harris, Steelers; Aaron Jones, Vikings

Tier 4: Borderline starters/high-end backups

Free agents: J.K. Dobbins, Chargers; Rico Dowdle, Cowboys; Raheem Mostert, Dolphins; Javonte Williams, Broncos

Restricted free agents: Jordan Mason, 49ers; Jaylen Warren, Steelers

Tier 5: Backups likely to net guaranteed money

Free agents: Cam Akers, Vikings; Nick Chubb, Browns; Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles; Khalil Herbert, Bengals; Kareem Hunt, Chiefs; Ty Johnson, Bills; Alexander Mattison, Raiders; Elijah Mitchell, 49ers; Dare Ogunbowale, Texans

Restricted free agents: Craig Reynolds, Lions

Potential cap casualties: Gus Edwards, Chargers; Zack Moss, Bengals; Miles Sanders, Panthers; Devin Singletary, Giants

Wide receivers

Tier 2: Pro Bowl-caliber starters

Free agents: Tee Higgins, Bengals

Potential cap casualties: Davante Adams, Jets

Tier 3: Capable starters

Free agents: Marquise Brown, Chiefs; Amari Cooper, Bills; Stefon Diggs, Texans; Chris Godwin, Buccaneers

Potential cap casualties: Cooper Kupp, Rams; Deebo Samuel, 49ers

Tier 4: Borderline starters/high-end backups

Free agents: Keenan Allen, Bears; Brandin Cooks, Cowboys; Joshua Palmer, Chargers; Darius Slayton, Giants

Potential cap casualties: Christian Kirk, Jaguars; Tyler Lockett, Seahawks

Tier 5: Backups likely to net guaranteed money

Free agents: Tutu Atwell, Rams; Dyami Brown, Commanders; Noah Brown, Commanders; Greg Dortch, Cardinals; Mack Hollins, Bills; DeAndre Hopkins, Chiefs; Elijah Moore, Browns; K.J. Osborn, Patriots [Commanders]; Tim Patrick, Lions; Demarcus Robinson, Rams; JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chiefs; Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chiefs; Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Titans; Mike Williams, Steelers; Olamide Zaccheaus, Commanders

Potential cap casualties: Allen Lazard, Jets; Josh Reynolds, Jaguars

Tight Ends

Tier 3: Capable starters

Potential cap casualties: Evan Engram, Jaguars

Tier 4: Borderline starters/high-end backups

Free agents: Zach Ertz, Commanders; Gerald Everett, Bears

Potential cap casualties: Noah Fant, Seahawks

Tier 5: Backups likely to net guaranteed money

Free agents: Mo Alie-Cox, Colts; Harrison Bryant, Raiders; Tyler Conklin, Jets; Mike Gesicki, Bengals; Austin Hooper, Patriots; Juwan Johnson, Saints; Johnny Mundt, Vikings; Durham Smythe, Dolphins; Tommy Tremble, Panthers

Potential cap casualties: Tyler Higbee, Rams; Taysom Hill, Saints; Foster Moreau, Saints

Offensive Linemen

Tier 2: Pro Bowl-caliber starters

Free agents: G Trey Smith, Chiefs

Tier 3: Capable starters

Free agents: G Aaron Banks, 49ers; G Mekhi Becton, Eagles; G Will Hernandez, Cardinals; C Ryan Kelly, Colts; OL Patrick Mekari, Ravens; C Josh Myers, Packers; T Cam Robinson, Vikings; T Ronnie Stanley, Ravens; T Alaric Jackson, Rams; G Kevin Zeitler, Lions

Potential cap casualties: G Jonah Jackson, Rams

Tier 4: Borderline starters/high-end backups

Free agents: C Bradley Bozeman, Chargers; G Ben Bredeson, Buccaneers; C Daniel Brunskill, Titans; G Ben Cleveland, Ravens; C Austin Corbett, Panthers; G James Daniels, Steelers; OL Jack Driscoll, Eagles; G Will Fries, Colts; G Nate Herbig, Steelers; G Robert Jones, Dolphins; T Kendall Lamm, Dolphins; T Cornelius Lucas, Commanders; T Dan Moore, Steelers; T Morgan Moses, Jets; G Brandon Scherff, Jaguars; T Tyron Smith, Jets

Potential cap casualties: G Alex Cappa, Bengals; T Jack Conklin, Browns; G/T Tytus Howard, Texans; T Terence Steele, Cowboys

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Articles – Draft

NFL.com

Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50: 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings 2.0

With college all-star games and further tape study in the books, NFL Network draft guru and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah updates his ranking of the top 50 draft-eligible prospects heading into the on-field events and workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Rank 19 – Omarion Hampton – North Carolina · RB · Junior

Hampton is a big, athletic back. As a runner, he likes to press the hole early before deciding to stay inside or bounce out wide. He has enough speed to capture the corner when he gets to the perimeter. He’s a loose runner and has make-you-miss ability in space. He has an impressive blend of power and balance on contact. His vision is a little inconsistent, though. He will occasionally run up the back of blockers. In the pass game, he’s effective on angle routes, screens and shovels. He has strong, reliable hands. In pass pro, he is quick to sort and attack blitzers with a sharp, six-inch punch. Overall, Hampton has the size and tools to be an effective starter right away.

Rank 21 – James Pearce Jr. – Tennessee · Edge · Junior

Pearce is a long, lean edge rusher. The Volunteers moved him around in their scheme and he created havoc from a variety of entry points. His first three steps are very explosive when he’s rushing off the edge. For such a lean-framed player, he can generate a lot of pocket push with his bull rush. When he’s used as a walk-around blitzer, he exposes the lack of athleticism along the interior of offensive lines. They clear the runway for him and he goes to work. His pressure rate stands out among his peers in this class. Against the run, he plays bigger than his weight would suggest. He sets a firm edge, especially against tight ends. Overall, Pearce has double-digit sack potential and should make an immediate impact in the league.

Rank 22 – Matthew Golden – Texas · WR · Junior

Golden has average size, but he plays with tremendous polish, instincts and toughness. He spends a lot of time operating out of the slot. He can defeat press coverage with quickness or strength. He understands how to tempo routes and sets up defenders down the field. He can change gears when the ball goes up and he tracks it naturally. He does a nice job of staying grounded through the catch when working on crossers. He has the utmost confidence in his ball skills. After the catch, he is very strong/sturdy to pull through tackles and he can make defenders miss in space. I love his temperament on the field — he plays with an edge. Overall, Golden doesn’t have dynamic traits, but he’s a natural football player and a quarterback’s best friend. He’s dependable.

Rank 23 – Emeka Egbuka – Ohio State · WR · Senior

Egbuka is a strong, physical receiver with the ability to play inside or outside. He’s quick in his release, and he can fight his way through press coverage. He is more of a one-speed route runner, but he’s very comfortable working in traffic. He attacks the ball in the air in the middle of the field. On vertical routes, he tracks the ball well and has a knack for utilizing late hands to prevent defenders from playing the pocket and poking the ball away. He has a great feel for working in zones and adjusting his route if the play is prolonged. After the catch, he relies more on toughness than pure speed to create extra yards. Overall, I view Egbuka as an impact slot receiver in the mold of former Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Rank 24 – Kelvin Banks Jr. – Texas · OT · Junior

Banks is a thick, sturdy left tackle. In pass protection, he launches out of his stance and shows the ability to sink and bend his knees. He keeps his hands inside and is patient with his punch. When he struggles, it’s because he sets up too deep or his feet settle too early. Both of those areas can be cleaned up. In the run game, he has initial knock-back power, but he doesn’t always strain to drive/finish. He is nimble to adjust and pick off defenders at the second level and on the perimeter. Some teams see him as more of a guard, but I believe he can hold up at tackle. Overall, Banks has some things to clean up, but I like his core foundation of strength/agility.

Rank 28 – Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M · Edge · Junior

Stewart is a long, dynamic and athletic edge rusher. He generates a lot of pressures but struggles to finish in the passing game. That’s why his low sack total (4.5 in three seasons) is misleading. He still impacts the game, even without major sack production. He has a very explosive first step and uses his long-arm move to run offensive tackles back to the passer. He bends well at the top of his rush for such a big edge defender. He has an outstanding closing burst once he clears the tackle. He does need to add more moves to his arsenal, but I guarantee defensive line coaches are going to be lining up to work with him. Against the run, he can easily set the edge and he has the speed to chase and make plays on the back side. I’m sure some will struggle to see past the limited sack total, but there is just too much talent here to fall into that trap.

Rank 29 – Grey Zabel -North Dakota State · IOL · Senior

Zabel is a versatile offensive lineman with excellent toughness and awareness. He lined up at left tackle in 2024, but he has played four O-line positions during his collegiate career. I believe he’s best suited to play guard at the next level. In pass pro, he has quick feet, stays square and catches/absorbs rushers. His lack of length shows up on the perimeter. He allows defenders to capture his chest, but he still possesses the core strength and balance to stall their push. He shows the savvy to snatch rushers when they get overextended. I love his ability to fit up and drive defenders in the run game. He has a great feel on combo blocks, and he always looks to finish. He has a nasty playing style, but he doesn’t get caught off-balance. Overall, I see Zabel as a Day 1 starter at guard.

Rank 30 – Donovan Ezeiruaku – Boston College · Edge · Senior

Ezeiruaku is a compact edge rusher with outstanding length, burst and production. In the pass game, he has a very quick first step and gets on top of blockers in a hurry. He excels at prying open the outside shoulder and cornering toward the quarterback. He has a full array of moves to complement his speed rush. He has won with a club/swim, inside counter, spin move and Euro step. He’s an outstanding finisher (16.5 sacks in 2024). Against the run, he needs to be more consistent using his length to stack blocks. He takes them on with his shoulder too often. He shows solid effort on the back side to chase plays. Overall, Ezeiruaku has an ideal body type to rush the passer, and he has all the tricks in his bag to win against good players.

Rank 31 – Josh Simmons – Ohio State · OT · Junior (RS)

Simmons is a gifted left tackle prospect. He was having an outstanding 2024 campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury in October. He has excellent size, movement skills and balance. In the passing game, he has a smooth/fluid set. He can easily redirect and plays with a wide/firm base. He uses a sharp punch before steering and controlling defenders. He will overset on occasion, but he’s nimble enough to redirect and recover. In the run game, he plays under control, stays on his feet and maintains leverage/position. He can adjust in space on combos. The main question with Simmons is health. What he put on tape this fall should generate plenty of optimism about his chances of becoming a quality starting left tackle in the NFL.

Rank 32 – Donovan Jackson – Ohio State · IOL · Senior

Jackson has ideal size, strength and bend as an interior offensive lineman. He is best suited at guard, but he stepped up to play left tackle after the Buckeyes lost their starter at the position in the middle of the 2024 season. In the pass game, he sets with a firm anchor, bends his knees and stays attached. He can slide and redirect smoothly. He is keenly aware on twists and stunts. In the run game, he creates movement on down blocks. He has the quickness and athleticism to kick out defenders on outside pulls. He has enough foot speed to reach and seal on the back side. His overall hand placement is excellent in both the run and pass game. He had a couple tough reps against Abdul Carter, but I was impressed with his overall competitiveness at tackle. He is more than functional at that position, but I see him as a top-tier guard.

Rank 33 – Luther Burden III – Missouri · WR · Junior

Burden is a quick, athletic slot receiver. He received a lot of quick hitters in Missouri’s offense. He excels on underneath option routes that allow him to combine his feel to create space and his suddenness to generate yards after the catch. He has outstanding body control, giving him the ability to contort and haul in poorly thrown balls. He is at his best with the ball in his hands. He can stop/start in a hurry and possesses the agility to make defenders miss in tight quarters. He has more to offer once he gets to the next level. When given the opportunity to work down the field, he can tap into another gear and track the ball smoothly. Overall, Burden is a fun player to study and reminds me of Stefon Diggs coming out of college.

Rank 35 – TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State · RB · Senior

Henderson is a muscled-up runner with elite speed and versatility. He is patient to the hole before exploding through with high knees. He has long speed to destroy pursuit angles once he gets into the open field. He needs to improve his contact balance, though. Too often, his feet stop when met at or near the line of scrimmage. He has the lower-body strength to power through if he keeps driving his feet. In the passing game, he runs a wide variety of routes with quickness and savvy. He has strong, reliable hands. He’s an elite pass protector. He is quick to identify blitzers and attack them. He strains to finish, sometimes well after the ball has been caught down the field. Overall, Henderson is a three-down weapon, brimming with big-play potential.

Rank 36 – Mason Taylor – LSU · TE · Junior

Taylor is a big, athletic tight end with excellent quickness, hands and toughness. He primarily lined up in-line, but he also flexed out in the slot and took a few reps on the outside. He’s polished as a route runner, showing the ability to set up defenders, lean into them and then create separation. He has a big catch radius, hauling in balls above his head as well as below his knees. He is a pure hands-catcher, keeping the ball away from his body. He doesn’t have elite top-end speed, but he is a smooth mover and can find another gear when the ball is in the air. After the catch, he can pull through tackles or make defenders miss in space. He isn’t a mauler in the run game, but he can screen off and stay attached. Overall, Taylor has the ability to be a Day 1 starter with high-volume production.

Rank 37 – Quinshon Judkins – Ohio State · RB · Junior

Judkins is a powerful, compact runner with outstanding career production. He is very decisive and aggressive on inside runs. He runs low to the ground and hunts the unblocked defender with a thirst for violence. He has a vicious stiff-arm, provided he doesn’t simply lower his shoulder and run through the defender. On perimeter runs, he usually looks to square up and get vertical as soon as possible. He isn’t as polished in the passing game as Ohio State teammate TreVeyon Henderson, but he’s competent as a screen/checkdown option and he’s aware in pass protection. He’s at his best in the four-minute offense. He closed out the Penn State game with one punishing run after another. Overall, Judkins has areas to improve, but he is a natural runner and he’s built to carry a full load as a starter.

Rank 38 – Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State · CB · Junior

Thomas is a tall, long and fluid cornerback. In press coverage, he has the size and physicality to disrupt at the line of scrimmage, but he does need to clean up some footwork. His feet will occasionally widen at the snap, and he’s forced to recover if he doesn’t land his hands. From off coverage, he’s effective playing from a side-turn, where he can explode and drive on in-breaking routes. He isn’t a violent tackler, but he’s more than willing and he can effectively get runners on the ground. He displays effort to chase plays from the back side. Sources from Florida State rave about his intelligence and character. Overall, Thomas has some areas to clean up, but he has the foundational tools of a dependable starter.

Rank 39 – Carson Schwesinger – UCLA · LB · Junior (RS)

Schwesinger is an ultra-instinctive linebacker with range and cover ability. Against the run, he is quick to key/diagnose. He is adept at beating blockers to spots, dipping underneath and avoiding them with quickness. He struggles to free himself when he’s forced to engage blocks. He has outstanding lateral range, and while he lacks thump, he’s a reliable tackler. He is smooth and fluid in coverage and has the agility to mirror/match tight ends and running backs. I love his play speed and energy. He chases plays all over the field. Overall, Schwesinger isn’t the most imposing figure, but he’s going to rack up production because of his blend of speed and instincts.

Rank 40 – Josh Conerly Jr. – Oregon · OT · Junior

Conerly has an athletic frame with solid bulk and long arms. He lined up at left tackle for the Ducks. In the pass game, he pops out of his stance with quick feet and is patient with his hands. He can cut off speed rushers and effectively redirect versus counters. He does have some hip tightness and lacks ideal sink and bend. He lunges on occasion, putting himself in bad positions. In the run game, he fits well initially but needs to improve his ability to stay attached and finish. He plays under control at the second level and out in space. Overall, Conerly isn’t an elite athlete, but he has the tools to develop into a solid starter in time.

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Discussion topics

ESPN

2025 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper’s Round 1 pick predictions

1. Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State

The quarterback question looms large here at No. 1. Could Tennessee trade the pick to a QB-needy team looking to land Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders? Sure. In fact, new GM Mike Borgonzi has even suggested the Titans will listen to offers. Could Tennessee also choose to take one of those passers itself here to replace Will Levis? Of course. But there are other ways to attack the quarterback position — Aaron Rodgers? — and I already said it’s too early to start projecting trades.

Besides, the Titans would love having Carter — who isn’t working out this week at the combine — on this defense. He creates so much pressure off the edge with the burst and instincts to get home for sacks. He had 12 of them in 2024, along with a nation-leading 23.5 tackles for loss. For a Tennessee team that was 25th in pressure (29.0%) this past season, sliding him next to Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat makes a lot of sense.

2. Cleveland Browns – Cam Ward, QB, Miami

I have Sanders ranked slightly ahead of Ward in my own rankings, but mock drafts are supposed to represent what the league thinks and what is likely to happen. And right now, Ward is the consensus QB1 in the class. He can make tough throws from different arm angles, on the move and under duress. His creativity in and out of the pocket and his arm strength are impressive, leading to 39 touchdown passes in his final college season.

Deshaun Watson has been disappointing in Cleveland since the Browns pulled off their mega-trade in 2022 and is now out after tearing his right Achilles for the second time in three months. So the Browns need an answer under center, and getting a potential franchise guy on a rookie contract could help them turn things around quickly and soften the blow of Watson’s contract weighing down the team’s salary cap.

3. New York Giants – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Let’s start with the QB question, since I’m sure Giants fans would raise their eyebrows at seeing New York pass on Sanders. First, there are mixed feelings on him around the league, and he isn’t seen as a surefire top-five pick. The front office and coaching staff have to win right now, and banking their futures on the class’ QB2 might not get it done. Second, I’m not ready to close the door on the Giants bypassing this lackluster QB class in favor of a veteran option. Could New York trade for Matthew Stafford? Would signing Sam Darnold fix the issue? There are options here, and if the Giants go another route, they can instead use this pick to address one of many other needs. Or, in Hunter’s case, maybe two of them.

Hunter is my top-ranked prospect in the class, and though I currently see him as a receiver in the pros, he could also play cornerback for New York. He can make a massive impact on either side of the ball, and he’ll likely see at least some time on both sides. Perhaps the Giants take his ball skills and quickness and drop him at receiver opposite Malik Nabers to form a solid supporting cast around whomever is under center. Perhaps they look at his elite instincts and finally land a true CB1. Either way, this pick would be clutch for a struggling Giants team.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

I’ve talked to people in the NFL who have Jeanty and Hampton neck and neck for RB1, and there are even some who prefer Hampton. And I look at Dallas’ decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as coach and can’t help but think about his father, Marty, and all those run-heavy offenses he had over 21 seasons in the same job for four different teams. One would think some of that will rub off on the Cowboys’ new coach, even with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in the offense.

But to jump-start the run game, the Cowboys actually need a legit running back. Rico Dowdle was decent (1,079 yards), but he’s a free agent and Dallas will likely want to upgrade. Plus, this team has been known to use early picks at the position in the past, including drafting Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4 in 2016. Hampton is a home-run hitter who had 1,660 yards and 15 rushing TDs in 2024.

29. Washington Commanders – Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

This offseason should be all about maximizing the Jayden Daniels rookie contract window and building a winner. That might mean pursuing receiver Tee Higgins in free agency. It might mean adding a run stopper. But it should definitely mean shoring up the secondary. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was released this season, two years after being a first-round pick. And while the big midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore moved the needle, he struggled to get onto the field amid a hamstring injury. Toss in that Benjamin St-Juste is a free agent, and there’s room for improvement here.

Hairston has terrific awareness in coverage, and his recognition skills and speed allow him to get to the ball before it arrives. He had six interceptions over his past two seasons.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

I went through quite a few names here at the end of Round 1 for the Super Bowl champions. I thought about Darius Alexander, who has the quickness and size to play anywhere on the defensive line. Plus, I imagine Eagles scouts got a good look at him last year when they were watching Toledo teammate Quinyon Mitchell, who became Philly’s 2024 first-rounder. Then I considered Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, who is instinctive and explosive up the middle.

But I settled on Nolen, who is the definition of disruptive and can get to the quarterback from inside. He had 6.5 sacks this past season after transferring from Texas A&M. Nolen would be a good replacement for free agent Milton Williams, joining Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis to form a solid defensive tackle group. And this would be in line with what GM Howie Roseman likes to do early in the draft, building up the trenches.

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Over the Cap

Some Thoughts on Matt Stafford’s Contract Situation with the Rams

The Rams run a risk if they walk themselves into an extension. Currently every player with a $50M a year contract has at least $160 million guaranteed, Rodgers had $150M on his $50M contract. Cousins would be the low mark at $100M. Currently Stafford has $63M remaining on his contract so at a minimum it would mean committing an extra $40M which likely means committing to him to be the QB until he is at least 39 and then possibly being able to walk at 40. If he were to land the top line type guarantee it would mean he is there until 41.

This is really why it is in the Rams best interest to continue to work within the framework of his current contract and find ways to piece it together year by year to make it work without damaging the long term future of the team. Move more money into this year to make him happy and then see what they can do next year with another raise if he happens to play really well this season. That is really the only path that the Rams should be taking at this point.

That does not mean another team would not do the big deal for Stafford and it is why the Rams may be letting him explore it. If I were the Rams I would bet that there are few, if any, teams willing to do the mega deal at this stage of his career and Stafford may not want to go to one of those few teams (the Giants for example) where he would basically just be collecting a retirement paycheck. While there are plenty of mistakes in the past, the more recent flurry of failures with Rodgers, Cousins, Ryan, and Wilson and no success stories generally move the entire league towards being more cautious. That may bring Stafford right back to the table with the Rams if he realizes the market now it not what it would have been a few years back when he signed his extension with the Rams.

My guess is we get more clarity on this in about a week but it really isn’t as simple as just saying “pay him”. It’s a big question about what is a fair number for today but what will also be a fair number for tomorrow. For the Rams they should want to take it season by season and Stafford lost that leverage to really push the Rams when he quickly signed that extension a few years ago.

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All aTwitter

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