Tag: Colson Yankoff

Dan Quinn reveals why Colson Yankoff made Commanders roster

Dan Quinn reveals why Colson Yankoff made the roster.

There are a lot of former UCLA Bruins football players suiting up to begin the 2024 NFL season. However, one of them is undrafted free agent Colson Yankoff. The recent Bruins player made the roster for the Washington Commanders after an impressive offseason and training camp.

After Yankoff made the roster, Commanders head coach Dan Quin revealed why he has two undrafted free agents that survived the cut:

“I’d say both of them really have the propensity to absolutely go for it,” Quinn said per Ben Standig of The Athletic. “You feel their intensity, you feel their speed when they play, both on special teams and on offense and defense, respectively. At the end of it, when you’re really trying to establish an identity that you’ve heard me use that word before, I think those examples come back up. The speed, the physicality, the effort, the straining, those are things that are Commander-style plays and I thought those two really represented that.”

It’s quite the honor and well-deserved for Yankoff.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn explains why two undrafted players made 53-man roster

Quinn explains what makes these two UDFAs special.

Adam Peters made it known that the roster he inherited with the Washington Commanders was not good. When asked his thoughts on the roster upon his hiring in January, Peters’ silence spoke volumes.

Perhaps Peters was using his poker face. However, when free agency arrived in March, it was clear what Peters thought of the Commanders’ roster, signing over 20 outside free agents.

On Tuesday, Peters finalized his first 53-man roster. He didn’t keep many draft picks from the prior regime. In fact, only two players remain from Washington’s 2023 draft class, one of which will be playing for his Commanders’ future in 2024.

Peters’ initial 53-man roster included his rookie draft class and two undrafted free agents. Two UDFAs making the roster is proof of Peters and Dan Quinn’s philosophy of competition over everything.

The two undrafted rookies making the roster were safety Tyler Owens and tight end Colson Yankoff.

After Tuesday’s final cuts, Quinn spoke to the media and discussed Owens and Yankoff making the roster.

“I’d say both of them really have the propensity to absolutely go for it,” Quinn said per Ben Standig of The Athletic. “You feel their intensity, you feel their speed when they play, both on special teams and on offense and defense, respectively. At the end of it, when you’re really trying to establish an identity that you’ve heard me use that word before, I think those examples come back up. The speed, the physicality, the effort, the straining, those are things that are Commander-style plays and I thought those two really represented that.”

That’s quite the way to describe the qualities you’re looking for. Peters and Quinn don’t care about draft status. They want players who love football and leave everything on the field, on every snap. Undrafted rookies often bring that type of energy.

In addition to bringing maximum effort, Owens and Yankoff are terrific athletes. Owens has world-class athleticism and excellent size, while Yankoff has played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, kick returner, and now tight end. He should be a fun chess piece for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Most coaches and new regimes need to search for an identity. Quinn and Peters appear to have found that identity, and these two undrafted rookies perfectly symbolize that identity.

Commanders Zach Ertz ‘extremely excited to be here’

Zach Ertz talks leadership, and his excitement to be in Washington.

“The best teams I have been on have been the hardest working teams.”

Commanders’ new tight end Zach Ertz displayed a businesslike approach Tuesdayas he met with the media on the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTA).

He spoke of head coach Dan Quinn taking ownership of this team from the players, conveying that they would mold this team into their image.

Ertz expressed that Dan Quinn has set a standard and the players will need to hold each other accountable to meet that standard.

Speaking of which, Ertz complimented rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, stating Daniels is working hard behind the scenes to prepare himself for the season.

The 33-year-old tight end made it clear he was not out there holding the hands of the other tight ends. Yet, he also understands he can’t simply be barking out orders either.

“First, you got to have a personal relationship with someone…….I’m just trying to help them in any way I can. It’s something that at this stage of my career, I have taken a lot more pride in now than maybe I did when younger.”

The three-time pro bowler knows he might not have much longer in the NFL. “I am just trying to maximize this team, anyone I can help, not only tight ends, but any skill position.”

Highlights of touchdowns as an Eagle

“The vets have to set the leadership, how this thing is going to go. We’re going to push each other to be the best version of ourselves that we can.”

Nine years as an Eagle and three as a Cardinal have matured Ertz. On Tuesday, he spoke of communication and leadership as the result of interacting with people.

“I want to be as open as possible,” Ertz said. “That is what guys are going to remember. (These) people are not going to remember my stats, my yards, my catches. When I’m done, hopefully, they remember the relationship I have with them. So, that’s what I’m trying to develop.”

The Commanders’ younger tight ends could certainly learn from Ertz entering his 13th season. The tight ends on the current Commanders roster are Ertz, John Bates, Armani Rogers, Cole Turner, Colson Yankoff, and the newly drafted Ben Sinnott.

Former UCLA RB Colson Yankoff signed by Commanders as TE

Colson Yankoff as a TE is intersting.

Another former Bruin has found a home on an NFL roster. Despite being one of several undrafted UCLA rookie free agents, former Bruins tight end Colson Yankoff signed with the Washington Commanders this week. 

Yankoff, who played primarily running back for the Bruins, will use his versatility and size for the Commanders this off-season. Playing both offense and special teams, Yankoff rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown and tallied 334 yards off of 16 returns in the kicking game in his redshirt senior season. 

Where Yankoff will be used on the Commanders is still unknown, but his ability as a special teams player and as an offensive threat gives him dual-playing ability, which could help him secure a roster spot down the line. 

Built a bit larger than the NFL Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill, Yankoff is a bargain for the Commanders who can employ his skills in several ways. A potential utility player, the Commanders got a good one in Yankoff, who can do just about everything they ask of him on the field.