Tag: Adam Peters Commanders GM

Commanders Ben Sinnott ‘super excited’ to play for Kingsbury, Quinn

Ben Sinnott is excited about the opportunity to play in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Commanders rookie Ben Sinnott says he was just showing up and had no idea what number they were going to give him.

I wanted the player to make the number, so it didn’t matter what they were going to give me, “said Sinnott to Bryan Colbert Jr.

The former Kansas State tight end, drafted 53 overall by Washington, was a guest with Colbert Jr. on another episode of “Raising Hail with the Rookies.”

Here are Ben Sinnott’s Kansas State highlights:

The Commanders issued No. 82 to Sinnott. Many will recall TE Logan Thomas wore No. 82 for his four seasons in Washington (2020-23). Logan Paulsen, another Washington tight end, also wore 82 (2010-14).

GM Adam Peters called Sinnott to inform him the Commanders were selecting him and immediately compared him to 49ers TE George Kittle. Sinnott, born and raised in Iowa, says he has watched and admired Kittle for years, who played at Iowa.

Sinnott actually started ice skating and playing hockey as young as three. Sinnott said the hockey “definitely brought that toughness, attitude, physicality.”

The rookie said in the early workouts he has noticed the coaches and players already “revolving around Dan Quinn. He’s such a natural leader, bringing the guys together and bringing the energy. He challenges us to compete in everything.”

How about his new OC, Kliff Kingsbury? “I’m pumped; I mean, look at all the guys he has developed, getting tight end touches. I’m super-excited to fine-tune my craft and see what he has planned for me.”

Why are the Commanders and Eugene Shen parting ways?

A closer look at why the Commanders and Shen amicably parted ways.

Last week, Commanders general manager Adam Peters continued his overhaul of the front office. It was surprising to read Eugene Shen was leaving the Commanders.

If Dan Snyder still owned the franchise and had hired Eugene Shen only eight months ago, only to announce now that he is leaving, wouldn’t you say this was simply another example of the franchise’s dysfunction and brokenness?

Josh Harris surprisingly hired Shen in October during the then-current Ron Rivera administration. The graduate of Harvard, who also earned an MBA from MIT, was hired, and a few days later, Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded.

Shen had been announced as the overseer of all analytics and software development for the football operations. Why, after only eight months, is Shen now gone?

Didn’t you raise your eyebrows a bit when Shen was hired in October, prior to Harris hiring his new general manager (Adam Peters)? Since Peters was hired he has brought on Lance Newmark from the Detroit Lions as his new assistant general manager. Brandon Sosna, also of Detroit, was recently hired by Peters as the new senior vice president of football operations, who will lead the analytics department.

Shen was brought on to help Harris make some important decisions for the future of the team, which frankly reveals that Harris needed leadership he would not receive from Rivera’s administration.

In April, Harris made a very significant hire, bringing in Dave Gardi as Washington’s new senior vice president of football initiatives. Gardi came from the NFL league office after 21 years of experience. This was seen universally in the NFL circles as a very keen, sharp move by Harris, as Gardi is highly respected.

Shen was probably feeling pushed out because his role was being reduced, and his ability to influence was greatly reduced, so the Commanders and Shen parted ways.

However, it does appear that Harris and Shen have remained on good terms, as he is said to be taking on another role for Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment.

Thus, this is much more than a negative headline announcing a front office employee is out after only eight months. Might this be more about Harris being really impressed with Peters and providing Peters with increasing levels of power and influence over the football operations?

Jayden Daniels: ‘I didn’t get a vibe the Commanders would take me’

Daniels said he wasn’t sure he’d be the Commanders’ pick at No. 2.

Dan Quinn was impressed with Adam Peters from the time he first was named the new head coach of the Washington Commanders.

In their new video, “Top of the Pile,” Quinn expressed that prior to the draft, he had enjoyed traveling with Peters, scouting and discussing prospects. “Man, have I been impressed with how on point they (Peters and his staff) are and ready for this moment (NFL draft).”

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, on the video, reveals he wasn’t sure who was going to draft him on draft night. “If I’m being honest, I didn’t really get a vibe that the Commanders would take me. They did a good job of keeping everything in-house, of not letting out leaks or showing favoritism.”

“I had a good feeling that they liked me a lot, but the draft can play any type of way. I didn’t know I was going to be a Commander until my phone started ringing.” It was Adam Peters’s call to welcome Daniels to the Commanders and to express he was proud to select Daniels to be the one to represent the franchise.

“It was a surreal moment,” said Daniels. “To really just see your phone ring and talk to AP (Peters), Josh, DQ and tell them thank you for choosing me, believing in me.”

“I teared up a little bit. My family teared up because they have seen me work hard to get to this point, so it was an emotional time,” said Daniels.

Daniels says that when he walked out onto the stage, he saw Commanders’ fans going crazy and cheering, so he naturally responded with a scream of joy.

Quinn took a moment to assure and encourage former Redskins quarterback and Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams, “You’re going to be a big part of him (Daniels). I couldn’t think of anybody better to be around than you if I was a QB coming up.”

Williams responded, “I’ve been knowing him a little bit; I’ve known him since (he was) 18.” Quinn replied, “You’re going to know him a lot better soon.”

Commanders’ Luke McCaffrey says he is blessed for this opportunity

McCaffrey talks the impact his family has had on him becoming an NFL player.

Luke McCaffrey feels that to finally have his new NFL team that he can bond with is “a blessing.”

McCaffrey sat down recently with Bryan Colbert Jr for another episode of “Raise Hail with the Rookies.”

The former quarterback turned receiver was the sixth player drafted by the Commanders in the 2024 NFL draft. He was the 100th player drafted and the last player in the third round. Incidentally, it was the 49ers selection, where brother Christian plays. The Commanders had traded Chase Young to the 49ers in October in exchange for that draft choice.

He spoke of his family as being close, his three brothers being his best friends. He referred to his family as “the biggest blessing I never earned,” expressing how they were all athletes and were so supportive and encouraging of each other.

“There’s nothing I ever did for it. There’s nothing I could have done to put those people in my life. I was blessed with the best role model that I could ever imagine for myself, in my dad.”

Each of his three older brothers followed Dad (Ed) in becoming a football player. Luke has enjoyed learning from all three in their football journeys. “You know, our mom holds us all together. She is the glue, the rock. That family atmosphere is such a blessing, such a gift that I got.”

McCaffrey likes having been drafted by Adam Peters. “He’s a smart person, a smart GM, and a great person. I think when you have that high level of skill at your job, it allows you to be yourself and relate to people. I think that is why he is such an authentic person.”

The rookie from Rice also sees the Commanders as a good opportunity for himself. “To be able to be part of something that is new (Owner, GM, Coaching Staff) and be able to go out there to compete in the culture that is being created here is such a cool opportunity.”

 

Chris Cooley’s film review of Commanders’ DT Johnny Newton

What does Cooley think of Johnny Newton’s film? He likes him.

Chris Cooley praised the Commanders’ selection of Johnny Newton, but also offered a few concerns.

The former Washington tight end, who appeared on Thursday’s “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast, expressed his film observations of Newton.

Not to be overlooked, Sheehan proposed that other teams possibly knew of Newton’s injury and that the Commanders did not. Newton fell into the second round, and Commanders GM Adam Peters was in disbelief Newton was still available at No. 36, where Peters selected him.

Here are a few selected quotes from Cooley’s review:

“He is a consistently productive guy,” Cooley said. “Four blocked kicks at Illinois. I love a dude that can block kicks! There is a knack to it.”

“He is a compact 6’2″, 304 pounds…He is not thin.”

“First team All-American. He wrecked Maryland; he wrecked Wisconsin. He can wreck a game. There is no doubt about it; he can play in the backfield.”

“He will come off the ball, quick twitch, and he can transition from speed to power. He can play inside; he can play nose. Quick hands, quick feet. When you are playing against Johnny Newton on the other side of the ball, you are worried he is going to beat you right now.”

“His hand-fighting is excellent. He will battle through that and get off of stuff.”

“I think when he wants to, he can crash back-side run plays really well.”

“He has great pass-rush moves; his high end is really high end.”

“I think the number one negative I see is he picks and chooses. There are times you can write L-A-Z-Y…It’s not that he can’t run down the line of scrimmage. It’s not that he can’t chase the ball carrier. It’s not that he doesn’t do that. He just picks and chooses.”

“He’s a guy you want to make sure is always going; you got to make sure he is always rolling or have him out.”

“His pad level is not very good. He plays upright; he plays high.”

“He plays around blocks as well, which you can’t get away with in the NFL.”

“Honestly, I think he is a great pick. He is going to be around a couple of defensive tackles (Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne) who will not accept anything but “go” all the time. I think it will be a really good fit for him.”

“There are a couple of concerns, but so much positive to him, so much upside to him.”

ESPN’s Mina Kimes: Commanders’ Dan Quinn on the hot seat

This is just silly.

Thursday once again reminded us that those who cover the NFL nationally might see the Commanders much differently than those residing in the DMV.

“The Mina Kimes Show,” featuring Larry (ESPN product) with guest Kevin Clark, found Kimes and Clark discussing whom they felt were the top ten current NFL coaches.

After each produced their top ten and the reasons why, the two transitioned to discussing which five NFL head coaches are “on the hot seat.” These five coaches could very well lose their jobs if they don’t have a successful 2024 season.

Both Kimes and Clark agreed that the top two NFL coaches on the hot seat are Robert Saleh (Jets) and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys). Clark felt Nick Sirianni (Eagles) is his third on the hot seat, declaring the Eagles is a really good job, and therefore, there will be candidates interested, and the ownership will also be interested in those candidates.

Kimes then declared that all four NFC East coaches could be on the hot seat. Interestingly, Clark had already said “three;” however, when Kimes stressed all four, Clark backed down, saying, “I completely agree.”

Well, you didn’t completely agree a minute ago, and she has not even defended her claim, and you now already “completely” agree? It was strange.

“Dan Quinn did not make my top five (list), but he could,” said Kimes. “If there is one coaching hire who might be one and done, it would be him. I cannot believe he was their first choice.”

Clark quickly responded, “What gave that away?”

“I am very nervous about the situation Jayden Daniels is walking into behind that offensive line,” continued Kimes. And if it looks bad, to me, new ownership, I could see him (Quinn) getting the axe.”

Clark added, “The thing about Dan Quinn, he is going to be a victim of his own success, if Jayden Daniels looks good. People are going to want that job in a way they didn’t want it three months ago.”

“There will be people calling Adam Peters, ‘Just saying, I might be available this year,'” added Clark.

Remarkably, Kimes pointed to new ownership (Josh Harris Group) and then explicitly declared she could see the new ownership firing Quinn.

Wait, why?

What about Josh Harris has pointed to him being impatient? What about Josh Harris has she observed that could result in Harris wanting to rid himself of Quinn after only one season?

Remember, Harris is the guy hiring and permitting Adam Peters to hire a new front office.

Consequently, why would you begin to agree with Kimes here? All the evidence points to Harris permitting Peters to execute a long-term plan. Remember several of the free agent signings were only one-year deals?

Both Kimes and Clark are incorrect in their assessment of the Commanders’ direction. Josh Harris is not quick to pull the trigger. Harris has not shown himself to be near-sighted or quick-tempered.

Dan Quinn is not on the hot seat.

Are the Commanders stuck at offensive tackle?

Are the Commanders stuck with the current group at offensive tackle?

Some of us are checking the NFL transactions daily to see if another offensive tackle becomes available.

Washington general manager Adam Peters has made some moves at offensive tackle. Starter Charles Leno was released early this 2024 offseason. He then re-signed swing tackle Cornelius Lucas to a one-year deal to remain with the Commanders.

During the NFL draft, Peters selected TCU tackle Brandon Coleman with the 67th selection. In addition, the other starting tackle is Andrew Wylie, who is on the right side.

Today, a good friend told me, “I think the Commanders are stuck at tackle.”

There have been some available tackles out there for a while, but most have signed contracts now. In April, some later signings took place: the Dolphins re-signed Kendall Lamm for one year at $2.6M, Former Cowboy La’el Collins was signed by the Bills for one year ($1.8M), Andre Dillard signed with the Packers ($1.1M), the Eagles signed Mekhi Becton to a one-year deal, and A.J. Jackson re-signed with the Rams for one year at $4.9M.

In May, Andrus Peat signed a one-year deal with the Raiders, and Chris Hubbard signed a one-year deal with the 49ers.

So, who are the offensive tackles out there who remain unsigned?

The Chiefs haven’t exactly rushed to re-sign Donovan Smith, so perhaps his penalties might be a good reason for this.

David Bakhtiari has spent 11 seasons with the Packers but will be 33 in September.

D.J. Humphries has been with the Cardinals all his career (2016-2023).

Charles Leno has yet to be signed by anyone, and Geron Christian is also unsigned.

Ok, yes, I threw the last one in there to keep your attention.

Perhaps Peters honestly feels that unless another tackle is released in one of those post-June releases or there is a training camp release that interests him, he is going to stick with the current tackles on this Commanders roster.

In fairness, Peters can’t make all the deals he desires. Remember, he did attempt to trade back into the first round for a tackle and could not agree on compensation with another team.

Rookie was overwhelmed when Commanders drafted him

Javontae Jean-Baptiste discusses his draft day and the emotion involved.

He was drafted No. 222 overall. Does Commanders rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste have a chance to make the team?

Jean-Baptiste sat down with Bryan Colbert Jr. for an episode of “Command Center,” which is now implementing the use of “Raise Hail” as well during the program’s opening.

The rookie defensive end, drafted from Notre Dame, didn’t hesitate to comment on how things have moved quicker in the early workouts for the Commanders. He mentioned being told the workouts would be fast-paced but quickly added that he didn’t understand that until going through it himself last week.

He said on the third day of the draft when the phone rang, he did not know which team was calling.When told by Adam Peters on the phone that the Commanders were drafting him, Jean-Baptiste said the emotion overwhelmed him. “It just sunk in; I was on the phone ugly crying. I can’t believe they got me sounding like this,” recalls Jean-Baptiste.

Seeing he was not selected until selection 222, Jean-Baptiste said perhaps he cried because “It was anxiousness, family, all the hard work. It was just a wave of emotion hitting me at once. It was a big relief lifted off.”

The 6-foot-5, 239-pound defensive end said he thinks playing at programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame helped him learn and adapt quickly.

On the final draft day, the NFL draft covers rounds four through seven. Jean-Baptiste found himself thinking, “No, not me” (going undrafted), but sure enough, it was humbling, as he had to wait until the 222nd selection by Washington.

The rookie does possess some humility, readily admitting he needs to learn whatever he can during these off-season workouts. “You can learn something from everybody. You could pick up little traits from anyone. They don’t have to be in my position. Once you are around so much knowledge like that you got to become like a sponge and soak it all up.”

Why one Commanders rookie might surprise in a few years

Don’t sleep on wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, who could prove to be a steal.

It’s only minicamp, but one Commanders rookie is a real prospect.

Yes, the vast majority of the attention will go to quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, one other first-year player might gain more attention in time.

Former Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey is not your typical receiver coming out of college.

McCaffrey’s dad, Ed, was an NFL wide receiver from 1991-2003 with the Giants, 49ers and Broncos. His older brother Christian is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the NFL.

McCaffrey learned to pass a lot at a young age to his older brother and loved being a high school quarterback. He signed to play at Nebraska, where he would play for former Cornhuskers quarterback Scott Frost.

However, McCaffrey saw action in only 11 games as quarterback at Nebraska for two seasons, passing for three touchdowns and six interceptions. He did rush for 530 yards, averaging 6.0 per carry.

So he transferred to Rice, which he thought might be a better opportunity. Completing only 31 of his 62 attempts with two touchdowns and four interceptions led to another major change — not the transfer portal, but changing positions in the Rice offense.

He had never played receiver, yet he made the move for his final two seasons with the Owls. He amassed 71 receptions for 992 yards, averaging 14.0 per reception in his final college season.

The point is, how many NFL rookies have played their position for only two seasons?

No question, Commanders general manager Adam Peters had this as his focus in drafting McCaffrey.

Barring injury, he could really improve as he continues to gain experience at his new position. And don’t overlook the fact that his old position was quarterback. Consequently, he will understand the position from a quarterback perspective as well.

Certainly Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are much more experienced, but McCaffrey is still learning the position. His ceiling might be higher than we are expecting for a receiver from Rice.

Commanders WR Dyami Brown to share No. 2 with Sainristil

Brian Mitchell summed it up perfectly.

Dyami Brown has not been cut by the Commanders.

The Commanders, in announcing their rookie jersey numbers, certainly seized the attention of many when they revealed defensive back Mike Sainristil would be wearing No. 2 this offseason.

Commanders fans certainly recognize that receiver Dyami Brown has worn No. 2 for each of his three NFL seasons here in Washington (2021-23).

It is true the Commanders are completing their 90-man roster in preparation for their off-season mini-camps, OTAs and training camp. So, while the roster is full at the 90-player capacity, yes, there will be some sharing of jersey numbers.

Yet, it is also true that the former Michigan defensive leader, Sainristil, was a second-round choice (50) of this current administration led by general manager Adam Peters.

Consequently, it would not be a stretch to conclude that if both Brown and Sainristil make the final 53-man roster, Sainristil will wear the No. 2 jersey.

Even more, Brown, though he wore No. 2 at North Carolina, simply has not produced in his three NFL seasons. Ron Rivera drafted Brown in the third round (82) in 2021. He has played in 15, 15 and 17 games, yet accomplished only a mere 12, 5 and 12 receptions.

Most likely, Brown will not survive unless he has an impressive preseason. He simply cannot afford to have the unimpressive preseason games he has experienced thus far.

When former Washington Redskins running back Brian Mitchell (1990-99) was asked about this by JP Finlay during their 106.7 The Fan show, Friday, Mitchell succinctly responded, “They never gave anybody my number when I was on (the team) from year one all the way through…I never really worried about my number. I worried about being ready to play.”