Tag: Jack Del Rio

Jack Del Rio not listed among the NFL’s top 10 defensive coordinators

Is Jack Del Rio one of the NFL’s better defensive coordinators?

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

Who is the NFL’s best defensive coordinator entering 2023? Any list of top defensive minds always starts with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

That’s inarguable.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked the NFL’s top 10 defensive coordinators, and the Belichicks [Bill and son, Steve, the defensive play-caller] were ranked No. 1.

Where is Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio?

Surprisingly, Del Rio wasn’t ranked on PFF’s list of top 10 defensive coordinators.

Here’s PFF rankings:

  1. Bill/Steve Belichick, Patriots
  2. Lou Anarumo, Bengals
  3. Vic Fangio, Dolphins
  4. Dan Quinn, Cowboys
  5. Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs
  6. Don Martindale, Giants
  7. Raheem Morris, Rams
  8. Brian Flores, Vikings
  9. Ejiro Evero, Panthers
  10. Steve Wilks, 49ers

Remember, rankings are subjective. There are some excellent names on the list who certainly belong. But shouldn’t Del Rio be considered a top-10 defensive coordinator at this point?

Del Rio is on his third team as a defensive coordinator. In three seasons with Washington, two of those seasons were excellent. In his previous two stints as a defensive coordinator [Panthers and Broncos], he used those stints to land his two NFL head-coaching positions [Jaguars and Raiders]. Had Del Rio not been successful in those previous jobs, he likely wouldn’t have landed two head-coaching jobs.

The Commanders should be excellent on defense again in 2023. Will Del Rio receive credit? It’s often fair to wonder if Del Rio’s controversial remarks are unfairly held against him.

Del Rio has been around the NFL since 1985 when he was a rookie linebacker with the New Orleans Saints. He’s not losing any sleep over where someone ranks him. He’s just happy to be coaching.

Del Rio believes Montez Sweat on the verge of a breakout season

Daron Payne set the standard in 2022.

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

When they selected four defensive linemen in the first round of four consecutive NFL drafts, the Washington Commanders knew it would be challenging to keep them all.

After Washington signed defensive tackle Daron Payne to a four-year extension in the offseason, the Commanders have now retained Jonathan Allen and Payne from their four first-round picks.

Next up are defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. After the Commanders declined Young’s fifth-year option in April, he and Sweat [who is playing on his fifth-year option in 2023] are free agents in 2024. If both players play to their potential next season, one is not coming back, as Washington will be unable to afford both.

Sweat has been pretty consistent throughout his four seasons. His 2021 season was marred by an injury and a family tragedy, forcing him to miss seven games. Outside of that, Sweat has never missed another game. In four seasons, he has 29 career sacks, establishing a career-high of nine sacks in 2020.

Could Sweat be on the verge of a breakout season in 2023?

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio believes so, likening Sweat’s position to Payne’s one year ago. Del Rio explained why the situations are similar.

“I think that was really the message for Daron Payne going into last year,” Del Rio said on Sweat finishing more plays.

“He was very disruptive the year before and left a lot on the plate. I think Montez is in a similar situation. I think he’s been very close, very disruptive, done a lot of really good things. I mean, he’s a good football player, and when he starts finishing at a higher rate, his numbers are gonna explode. I anticipate him having that kind of a year for us.”

That’s not Del Rio criticizing Sweat. The coaching staff loves Sweat. He’s an outstanding run defender. He’s close every week to picking up more sacks. And as Del Rio referenced, if he finishes on just a few more of those sacks, he’s going to earn a contract averaging at least $20 million annually.

There’s a blueprint that Payne established. Whether it’s Young, Sweat, or both, a big season in 2023 is good for all parties.

 

Jack Del Rio is ‘fired up’ about the Commanders adding Emmanuel Forbes

Del Rio can’t contain his excitement regarding Forbes.

Suppose you doubted how much the Washington Commanders loved former Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes before the 2023 NFL draft. In that case, you should check out Commanders Log, Episode 4, on the team’s official website.

The Commanders liked Forbes so much that they considered moving up in the draft to select him. Head coach Ron Rivera decided to stand pat, and Forbes fell in Washington’s laps at No. 16.

Everyone was happy. Sure, anytime the TV shows a team’s war room, you see the customary hugs, smiles, handshakes and back-slapping, but for Washington, it was real. The episode detailed the Commanders’ process with Forbes, from interviewing him at the NFL combine to his flying to Washington after the draft to meet coaches and fans.

One of the most happy folks in Washington was defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Rivera sought out Del Rio to inform him that Forbes was the pick, and Del Rio was elated.

At this week’s OTAs, Del Rio spoke to the media, and the first question he received was about Forbes.

“Really fired up about getting him, adding him to the squad,” Del Rio said. “I think he’s a tremendous football player. You know, he’s fast. He’s got great ball skills. He’s very bright, and he played against some of the best competition that you can in the SEC and held up week in and week out was a playmaker. Very productive. So happy to get ’em.”

Del Rio isn’t often this effusive in his praise of a rookie.

Starting at the rookie minicamp last month, Forbes made his presence known, and that’s continued throughout OTAs. The Commanders have worked Forbes some inside this week, but make no mistake; his NFL future is at outside cornerback.

Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson continues to stand out

Khaleke Hudson was outstanding in the Week 18 win over Dallas. He’s carried that momentum into the offseason.

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

How long have we talked about the Washington Commanders’ perceived lack of depth at linebacker? It seems like every offseason — specifically since Ron Rivera took over as head coach in 2020 — the Commanders entered the offseason with a need at linebacker.

In 2021, Washington addressed that need, selecting Jamin Davis in the first round. Davis struggled during his rookie season but bounced back with a much better 2022 season.

The Commanders signed Cody Barton in the offseason to replace Cole Holcomb, who they let walk. Barton is Holcomb’s replacement and will likely begin starting alongside Davis, as Washington often employs only two traditional linebackers.

But what if the Commanders already have a hidden gem on the roster? That player could be 25-year-old Khaleke Hudson, a fifth-round selection in 2020. Since entering the NFL, Hudson has starred on special teams while playing some occasional defense. Overall, he has appeared in 41 games, with 34 tackles through three seasons.

Hudson has patiently waited for his turn to have an extended look on defense. In the Week 18 win over the Dallas Cowboys in January, Hudson started the game, finishing with seven tackles, and played 100% of the defensive snaps.

Coaches praised Hudson’s efforts after the game and have throughout the offseason. With Davis recovering from a knee issue, Hudson has seen meaningful snaps with the defense in OTAs. He continues to stand out.

During Thursday’s last OTA session of the week, Zach Selby of commanders.com offered the following on Hudson.

We haven’t spent much time discussing the linebackers, so here’s a positive from Khaleke Hudson. The former Michigan Wolverine blew up a screen pass early in team drills, corralling Brian Robinson before he could gain any momentum. Hudson had a solid ending to the 2022 season, recording seven tackles in the season finale against the Cowboys. If Hudson is to take on a larger role this season, he will need to make more plays like that in training camp.

Selby isn’t the only one noticing Hudson’s play. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke to the media and singled out Hudson.

“Guys like Khaleke Hudson have been really been playing outstanding,” Del Rio said. “I think gained a little bit of confidence from that last outing against Dallas. He went out there and played really well, and so he’s coming to the offseason full of energy and getting a lot of reps because Jamin is not going.”

As Selby noted, if Hudson is going to earn more playing time on defense, he’ll need to continue standing out in training camp. His roster spot is safe because he is good on special teams and a reliable backup linebacker. However, Hudson’s potential impact on the defense could be much higher if he continues his strong offseason.

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio was in mid-season form Thursday

Jack Del Rio discussed the state of Washington’s defense Thursday.

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

Jack Del Rio met with the media Thursday, and he never took any of the bait.

Time after time, the Commanders’ defensive coordinator was asked questions that were specific in nature. Time after time, Del Rio responded in a manner that was not unkind or rude, yet, managed to effectively not convey more than he felt he should.

It may be overlooked, but Del Rio is quite experienced with interaction with the local media. The former USC Trojan played both football and baseball at USC. He then started at linebacker for the New Orleans Saints (1985-87), Dallas Cowboys (1989-91) and Minnesota Vikings (1992-95).

Following his retirement as a player, Del Rio served on staff for the Saints and Ravens (linebackers). After being a defensive coordinator for the Panthers, Del Rio was named head coach of the Jaguars, where he served nine seasons.

Next came the Broncos (defensive coordinator for three seasons), then the Raiders (head coach for three seasons), and here in Washington.

He’s not mean; he’s simply skillful at being measured. He is not going to give you anything he doesn’t feel he should. He even joked around Thursday when asked about working now with Eric Bieniemy, “It’s been good. I wish he would express himself a little bit, come out of his shell. Nah, he’s great. He has a lot of energy. He’s bringing an accountability to the unit.”

When asked about Ron Rivera? “Ron’s been great. With me for four years, it hasn’t changed a great deal. He lets us (coaches) share when we want to and, for the most part, lets us do our thing.”

Regarding the Chase Young and Montez Sweat questions that were raised? Del Rio was not biting, stating simply it is voluntary this time of year, but he did offer he appreciates all of the guys who did choose to come and put in some work for the team.

It was classic Del Rio: “Don’t say what you shouldn’t and still manage to praise the guys who did “volunteer” to come and put in some work.”

When pressed/asked further about Young and Sweat, he simply offered that Young, when coming in, could put in the work and that Sweat could learn to finish better (words he spoke of Daron Payne last offseason). Del Rio then declared it would add zeros to Sweat’s paycheck.

He did offer perhaps only one surprising element when he volunteered that linebacker Khaleke Hudson had a good final 2022 game, gained some confidence, and has looked good in the offseason.

Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio ready to get to work

Del Rio spoke about his young secondary, Jamin Davis, the defensive ends and is excited for 2023.

[connatix div_id=”3f8b015acdd24c648befc5d5dac47469″ player_id=”afe1e038-d3c2-49c0-922d-6511a229f69c” cid=”7cbcea0d-4ce2-4c75-9a8d-fbe02a192c24″]

Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio sat down with Julie Donaldson to talk Commanders defense. Here are a few excerpts from that interview.

“We want to continue to do the things we do well, so the other part is for us to start generating more turnovers, and that is going to be a big push this year.”

“We got to practice in the rookie mini-camp and right away you can see the ball likes Emmanuel Forbes. He finds it, he has a knack for it. He’s got great acceleration, great ball skills and he will definitely produce turnovers.”

“I don’t know if he will ever be 180, but he is plenty big enough for me. His job is to cover and get turnovers.  The rest of the guys will do what they do.”

On Kam Curl becoming a leader at safety:

“We drafted him. He’s developed and played well for us. You add D-Fo (Derrick Forrest), Percy (Butler), and now Quan (Martin). It’s a good room. Again, roles will be determined through competition. We have good players.”

“I love Bobby (McCain). He was a great team player while he was here. But to now have guys like D-Fo, Percy and Quan, it was time to make room for them.

“Jamin (Davis) has incredible splash plays. What we’ve got to do is have Jamin eliminate the ‘What the Hell are you doing’ plays. He has a few moments where that happens. Much less last year. When he eliminates that part of his game, and it becomes more of the splash, he is extremely talented.”

Del Rio continued regarding his defensive line, Montez Sweat and Chase Young in particular. Here is the interview in its entirety.

Commanders 2023 NFL draft prospect profile: Iowa LB Jack Campbell

Campbell could be Washington’s answer at linebacker to pair with Jamin Davis.

The 2023 NFL draft is just over one week away, and we here at Commanders Wire will look to profile multiple 2023 prospects daily leading up to day one of the draft.

We will focus on prospects who could be available for Washington and who fit a position of need. Our prospect profiles will not be exclusive to projected first-round picks only but also players who will be selected on the second and third days of the NFL draft.

The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 overall.

Today, we profile Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell.

Commanders host Tulane linebacker on top 30 visit

Dorian Williams is an ideal linebacker target for the Commanders in the middle rounds.

The Washington Commanders are either scheduled to host or have hosted Tulane linebacker Dorian Williams on a top-30 visit, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic.

Williams is the second known linebacker Washington has used a top 30 visit on, joining Texas linebacker Demarvion Overshown.

The Commanders have held virtual meetings with other linebackers, including Florida’s Ventrell Miller.

In studying Williams and Overshown specifically, it’s clear the Commanders are looking for a specific type at linebacker in this draft. Both players are under 230 pounds but are known for their athleticism. Washington is clearly looking for versatile linebackers who can cover. They have high character, as Williams was a three-time captain at Tulane.

Also, neither Williams, Overshown, nor Miller is expected to go early. All three players could land in the middle rounds, making them ideal targets for the Commanders. Washington is expected to pursue offensive line and cornerback help early.

The Commanders have one linebacker spot settled with Jamin Davis. The 2021 first-round pick took a big leap forward last season and the Commanders believe he will continue to improve. Cole Holcomb departed in the offseason and was replaced by Cody Barton. Barton should start, but it is not guaranteed, depending on what happens in the draft.

Washington often uses just two linebackers and employs a Buffalo nickel, which is a hybrid between a linebacker and safety. Williams and Overshown could fit that mold.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Texas defender has top 30 visit with the Commanders

DeMarvion Overshown is the perfect hybrid defender for Washington’s defense.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivers loves to talk about “position flex.” Rivera and his staff love players who can play multiple positions, which has somewhat led the Commanders to de-emphasize the linebacker position a bit.

The Buffalo nickel role in Washington’s defense is the sort of hybrid role dominating today’s NFL. So if the Commanders find a player who has played linebacker and safety, that’s a positive for Jack Del Rio’s defense.

A recent visitor to Washington for one of the Commanders’ top 30 visits is the type of defender Rivera and Del Rio love. DeMarvion Overshown of Texas is a 6-foot-3, 229-pound linebacker-turned-safety who made big strides in 2022.

After playing safety in his first two seasons at Texas, Overshown moved to linebacker in 2020. In his first season at linebacker, Overshown started 10 games, recorded 60 tackles, with eight for loss, seven passes defended, two interceptions and one sack.

In 2021, Overshown played in 11 games and finished with 74 tackles. He took a big leap in 2022, recording 96 tackles, including 10 for loss and four sacks.

Overshown ran for the 40 in 4.56 seconds at the NFL combine.

Overshown is an exciting prospect because he is viewed as ascending prospect. While he did play five seasons at Texas, he improved each season after moving to linebacker. Overshown can play linebacker or safety in Washington’s defense while also offering some upside as a pass rusher.

Overshown will likely go somewhere in the middle rounds of April’s 2023 NFL draft.

WATCH: Daron Payne is greeted by Commanders’ coaches and staff

Daron Payne is greeted by Ron Rivera, Jack Del Rio and others. And he’s all smiles.

What a whirlwind two days for Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. On Sunday, the Commanders sent shockwaves across the NFL world by agreeing to a new contract with Payne.

Payne’s new deal is the second-richest in NFL history for a defensive tackle behind Aaron Donald, coming in at four years for $90 million, with $60 million guaranteed.

Payne’s new deal was a win for both he and the Commanders. Payne resets the defensive tackle market before it explodes with extensions for players such as Jeffery Simmons, Dexter Lawrence and Chris Jones. And for Washington, it keeps around a homegrown difference-maker in Payne.

On Monday, Payne returned to Washington’s Ashburn facilities, and as soon as he made it through the front door, he was greeted by Washington coaches and staff, including defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and head coach Ron Rivera.

For Washington fans, it was a good day.