Tag: kamren curl

The top 5 Washington draft choices for Ron Rivera: No. 1

This was an easy pick.

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This week (Monday-Friday) Commanders Wire has revealed in ascending order the top-five draft choices Ron Rivera has made in his three earlier drafts. Consequently, none of the 2023 NFL draft will be eligible for this list, seeing they have yet to play in the NFL.

Further, initially keep in mind that it is still much too early to know what Jahan Dotson, Phidarian Mathis, Percy Butler and Sam Howell are going to provide from the 2022 class.

Honorable Mention:

Chase Young also does not make our top five list because of virtually no productivity from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. But because of his high productivity in 2020, he nearly made the list and deserves an honorable mention.

Other honorable mention draftees during the Rivera era: Darrick Forrest and John Bates.

So here goes the list of the top five draft choices by Ron Rivera during his three seasons here in Washington (2020-22).

No. 5: Brian Robinson Jr., RB Alabama, 2022

No. 4:  Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota, 2021 

No. 3: James Smith-Williams, DE, NC State, 2020

No. 2 Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis 2020

No. 1 Kamren Curl, S, Arkansas, 2020

With the 216th selection of the 2020 NFL draft, the Washington Redskins selected Kamren Curl, a safety from Arkansas.

Curl has been the most consistent performer for the Washington secondary his last two seasons. In fact, Pro Football Focus voted Curl a top-5 safety in the NFL for 2022.

When Curl injured a thumb during a Kansas City preseason game, he missed the first two games of the 2022 season. The defense really suffered throughout the Week 2 loss at Detroit, giving up multiple large gains by the Lions.

Again, Curl was injured late in the season, missing the games against the 49ers and Browns. The Commanders lost both games and subsequently were eliminated from the NFL Playoffs.

Though a seventh-round selection, both Curl and defensive end Chase Young were named to the 2020 Pro Football Focus All-Rookie Team.

Curl enters the last season of his rookie contract. If he has another good season, there is little doubt he will be one of the more coveted safeties on the market in the next free-agency signing period.

The Commanders would do well to commit to begin talks with Curl, to get him re-signed and guaranteed to be wearing burgundy and gold the next few seasons.

Consequently, as we’ve shown in this five-part series this week, looking at the top five draft choices of the Ron Rivera era in Washington, we amazingly find that three of the five choices were in Rivera’s first draft (2020). Antonio Gibson (3rd round), Kam Curl 7th round and James Smith-Williams also in the 7th round.

 

CBS regrades the 2020 NFL draft after three years and the Commanders remain the same

What grade would you give Washington’s 2020 NFL draft now?

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They say you can’t truly grade a draft until at least three years removed from that draft. So, now feels like the perfect time to go back and grade the Washington Commanders’ 2020 NFL draft.

That draft, of course, was the year Washington selected defensive end Chase Young at No. 2 overall. Over the last two years, we’ve seen some do redrafts, which is a silly notion, and give the Commanders quarterback Justin Herbert.

That sounds great, but we live in reality. You do not get do-overs.

As for Young, things began as expected. At times, he was a game-wrecker on the edge, recording 7.5 sacks and helping lead the Commanders to a surprising NFC East division title, albeit with a losing record, and won the NFL defensive rookie of the year.

Since that time, Young has only appeared in 12 games due to a significant knee injury. In the nine games before his 2021 knee injury, Young had just 1.5 sacks. He returned in Week 16 of the 2022 season and looked like his athletic self, but he did not record a sack.

The Commanders declined to pick up Young’s fifth-year option, guaranteed at over $17 million for 2024, making him a free agent after the 2023 season.

Let’s head back to that 2020 draft for a moment. Washington also selected running back Antonio Gibson [third round], offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles [fourth round], safety Kamren Curl and defensive James Smith-Williams [seventh round].

Gibson has been excellent at times, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2021 after scoring 11 touchdowns as a rookie. Charles has yet to establish himself but has logged several starts.

Curl is the gem of the class and is in line for a significant extension once new ownership takes over. Smith-Williams was also an excellent Day 3 pick, starting several games and becoming an important part of Washington’s defensive end rotation.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports gave Washington a “B” after the 2020 NFL draft. Three years later, Prisco sticks with that grade and explains why.

The Skinny: They took edge player Chase Young with the second overall pick. He flashed star potential as a rookie, but then suffered a major knee injury in 2021. He wasn’t the same player last season. This year is big for him. After that, they took running back Antonio Gibson in the third after trading their second-round pick the year before to draft Montez Sweat. Gibson has been a big part of their offense the past three years. Fourth-round offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles has been a sometimes starter, although he will open as a backup in 2023. They hit big on seventh-round safety Kamren Curl, who is one of the better players on their defense. Seventh-round edge James Smith-Williams had 14 starts and three sacks last season. But he has mostly been a backup.

How I did: I loved the pick of Young, but who didn’t? The injury has changed the trajectory of his career. I questioned trading the second to draft Sweat the year before, but Washington nailed that decision. I liked the picks of Gibson and Charles since both were on my Better-Than team that year. I also said fourth-round receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden had a chance, but he retired after two seasons with just one catch.

That’s fair. While Young’s career has been disappointing thus far, not all of it is his fault; his production before the injury is a concern, though. But that potential still exists, and 2023 is a massive season for him.

Curl, Gibson and Smith-Williams were all excellent choices, especially when you consider where Washington landed them.

How has the Commanders 2020 draft class developed?

How would you judge Washington’s 2020 NFL draft class right now?

How many times over the years have you heard, “You can’t grade a draft until you have at least three seasons of play?”

While the 2020 Washington NFL draft has brought some disappointment, this draft by no means can be called a dud or unproductive.

Yes, Antonio Gandy-Golden (4th round) is already out of the NFL, and yes, Keith Ismael (5th round) did not last long in the Burgundy and Gold.

Yes, Chase Young (1st round) has produced only 9 sacks in three seasons and yes, he was the overall second selection in the entire draft.

Yes, Saahdiq Charles (4th round) has only played in 24 games in three seasons. Yet, he has shown enough that head coach Ron Rivera still believes he and Chris Paul will battle for the starting left guard spot this fall.

Also encouraging is third-round selection, Antonio Gibson. Gibson from Memphis has rushed for 2,378 yards and caught 124 receptions for 894 yards. With the Commanders releasing J.D. McKissic, look for new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to readily use Gibson as the third-down back, getting the ball to him in space.

Khaleke Hudson (5th round, 162 overall) has been steady on special teams and showed in the season finale last season he can play more at linebacker if needed.

Seventh-round choices Kamren Curl and James Smith-Williams have been pleasant surprises who continue to contribute on defense. How often does a team have not one but two successful draft choices in the final round?

Both Curl and Smith-Williams are entering their final contract year with the Commanders. With these two being productive and reliable, the Commanders will need to get both re-signed for the 2024 season and beyond.

Who would have thought immediately after the 2020 draft, that after three seasons of play, not one but both seventh-round draft choices would be a top priority for the Commanders to resign for 2024?

Not a single one of us.

Where are Ron Rivera/Martin Mayhew in new NFL general manager rankings?

The duo needs a big season in 2023.

When Ron Rivera was hired as Washington’s head coach ahead of the 2020 season, he was to be more than just the head coach.

Owner Dan Snyder said Washington would operate under the “coach-centric” model that other successful franchises have employed, meaning Rivera would be the team’s top football decision-maker.

While Rivera didn’t receive the title of general manager, he was clearly at the top of the food chain. After one season with Kyle Smith in charge of personnel, Rivera hired former Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew as his general manager for the Commanders.

Mayhew, a former cornerback for Washington on its last Super Bowl team, spent seven years as the general manager for the Lions. Before landing in Washington, Mayhew had spent the previous four years in the 49ers’ front office.

With Rivera entering a critical fourth season as Washington’s head coach in 2023 — and Mayhew entering his third season — how are the duo viewed around the NFL?

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com recently unveiled his latest GM rankings, with the Rivera/Mayhew tandem coming in at No. 22:

Through three seasons, Rivera and Mayhew are 22-27-1 together. Their drafts have been average, at best, although Sam Howell developing into a true starting quarterback would change that. The team’s best players, including most of the boffo defensive line, was acquired by the previous regime. The Carson Wentz trade was a disaster. The team has done more with less on the offensive line, which makes the big spending on mid-level free agents (Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates) surprising. Slightly worse than average is an accomplishment over the past few decades in Washington, but Rivera needs to show some progress to stick around with new ownership coming in.

It’s important to note — again — that Rivera and Mayhew weren’t together during Rivera’s first season as head coach. Of course, the ranking likely still stands as you are what your record says you are.

Most of these criticisms are fair. Some of Washington’s drafts, since Rivera took over, are a mixed bag. There are some outstanding late picks, such as safeties Kamren Curl [seventh round, 2020] and Darrick Forrest [fifth round, 2021], but the jury is still out on higher picks, such as Chase Young, Jamin Davis and Sam Cosmi.

As Rosenthal noted, everything changes if Howell becomes a solid starting quarterback.

PFF ranks Kam Curl as a top 5 safety in 2022

Curl is now due for an extension.

The 2022 season was a big one for Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl. The third-year safety — and former seventh-round draft pick — from Arkansas had become one of the most important players on Washington’s defense.

Unfortunately, Curl’s 2022 season began on a disappointing note. Curl injured his thumb in a preseason game at Kansas City, which led to surgery and him missing the first two games. Washington’s defense struggled in those two games.

Curl returned in Week 3, and the Commanders immediately improved. Throughout the season, Washington’s defense eventually became a consistent top-10 defense. In some metrics, the Commanders were a top-5 defense.

While Washington’s defensive line received most of the credit, and rightfully so, the secondary was outstanding at times. Curl was a primary reason for that success, as evidenced by his absence over the season’s final three games. The Commanders missed Curl badly in losses to San Francisco and Cleveland in Weeks 16 and 17, respectively. Those losses ended Washington’s postseason chances.

One of the big topics surrounding the Commanders would be if they signed Curl to an extension this offseason. That appears to be a priority and a matter of if, not when.

Pro Football Focus was high on Washington’s safeties throughout the season, particularly Curl. Curl ended the 2022 season ranked as PFF’s No. 4 safety.

Curl has provided an incredible return on investment for the Commanders after being a seventh-round pick in 2020. He replaced an injured Landon Collins as a rookie, made him expendable and then improved each year since. Curl posted top-10 grades as a run defender (80.5) and in coverage (80.8) in 2022 — both career highs for the former Razorback.

Curl has provided significant flexibility for Washington’s defense, often manning the box and helping take away running backs and tight ends as mismatch options. He posted a 4.7% missed tackle rate (sixth) while acting as a second linebacker.

Washington appears to finally have a young core of safeties to build around in Curl, Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Reaves and Percy Butler. It’s a welcome sight for the Commanders who’ve spent big money on the position for years, including the horrendous signing of Landon Collins.

Now, it’s Curl’s turn to get paid.

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Commanders’ top defensive player grades for 2022 season, per PFF

We review the top-10 ranked defensive players for the Commanders in 2022.

You can’t blame the Washington Commanders’ defense for not making the postseason in 2022. After struggling in 2021, Jack Del Rio’s unit rebounded in a big way, as Washington’s defense was statistically one of the best in the NFL.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen followed up his Pro Bowl season with another in 2022. Allen was outstanding. Fellow DT, Daron Payne, enjoyed a breakout campaign setting new career highs in sacks [11.5] and tackles for loss [18]. Payne earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl and becomes a free agent in March.

Safety Kamren Curl missed the first two games and the last three. In doing so, he proved his value as the Commanders missed him badly. However, second-year safety Darrick Forrest took a step forward and was terrific in 2022. Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste also enjoyed a breakout season but was hampered by an injury over the final five weeks.

Washington’s defense was in the top 10 in all major statistical categories, including Football Outsiders’ total defensive DVOA.

Who graded out as Washington’s top defensive player in 2022? We review Pro Football Focus’ top 10 graded Commanders from last season. For a player to qualify, he had to play at least seven games.

Counting down the Commanders’ 20 biggest cap hits in 2023: Beginning with No. 20

Counting down the Commanders’ top 20 cap hits for 2023, beginning with No. 16-20.

Which Washington Commanders players will count the largest cap hit for the 2023 NFL season?

This week, Commanders Wire will count down the top 20 Washington Commanders with the largest cap hit for 2023.

For what it is worth, according to Spotrac, the top 10 Commanders who cost the most during the 2022 season were in order:

  1. Carson Wentz     $28,294,119
  2. Curtis Samuel     $12,625,000
  3. Kendall Fuller     $11,125,000
  4. Jonathan Allen     $9,500,000
  5. Chase Young       $9,426,435
  6. Da’ron Payne       $8,529,000
  7. Charles Leno       $8,500,000
  8. Terry McLaurin   $7,329,805
  9. Logan Thomas     $6,190,000
  10. Wes Schweitzer    $5,820,000

We begin with No. 20.

Commanders land 2 players on PFF’s 2022 NFL All-Pro team

Which Commanders made PFF’s All-Pro team?

As 14 teams are moving forward in the NFL Playoffs, Pro Football Focus has announced their All-Pro Team for the 2022 season, and included are two Washington Commanders.

Congratulations to safety Kamren Curl, who was voted to the second team at safety. Curl, still only age 23, completed his third season, increasingly becoming one of the more respected safety’s in the NFL.

Curl played in 12 games this season, missing the first two games and the last three games of the season. In the five games he missed, the Commanders defeated the Jaguars in the opener but lost to the Lions, 49ers, Browns, and then defeated the Cowboys in the season finale.

Curl was in on 83 tackles this season, with 58 being solo and 25 assisted. He also contributed six tackles for a loss, including a quarterback sack.

The seventh-round selection out of Arkansas (2020 NFL Draft) has exhibited tremendous value in Jack Del Rio’s defense due to the fact that he can be interchangeable, lining up close to the line of scrimmage or be placed deep in the defensive coverage.

Congratulations are also in order for safety Jeremy Reaves who earned PFF honor as a special teams member. Reaves was undrafted and released more than a few times thus far in his NFL career at age 26.

Per PFF, “Reaves played 373 snaps of special teams this season, featuring in five different phases. He had the best special teams grade in the league and made 17 total tackles.”

Reaves also played in all 17 games at safety, starting three. He defended one pass, made 33 tackles, 20 solo and 13 assisted.

Here is the entire PFF 2022 All-Pro Team, which includes first-team and second-team selections for all positions.

Do remember that PFF’s All-Pro team is not synonymous with the Associated Press All-Pro Team. The latter still holds the status of being the official All-Pro team, being the result of fifty voters’ ballots. The All-Pro team will be announced in late January.

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Commanders secondary coach talks growth of Darrick Forrest and Benjamin St-Juste

Thanks to some young defensive backs, Washington’s secondary went from a question mark to a strength.

If you watched the Washington Commanders in the preseason, specifically against the Kansas City Chiefs, you probably felt like it would be another long season for Washington’s defense.

That’s why you shouldn’t trust the preseason.

While Washington struggled defensively during the first two games, things turned around in Week 3 when third-year safety Kamren Curl returned to the lineup. Since then, Washington’s defense has ranked among the best in the NFL.

Obviously, the defensive line is a big reason for the Commanders’ defensive success. Defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne dominate opponents weekly, while defensive end Montez Sweat is quietly having an outstanding season.

The most overlooked aspect of Washington’s defensive improvement is the secondary — specifically a pair of second-year defensive backs.

Chris Harris, an eight-year NFL veteran, is in his third season as the Commanders defensive backs coach. Harris’s name is often mentioned around the NFL as a possible defensive coordinator candidate. Harris should be in line for a promotion in the offseason for his work with cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and safety Darrick Forrest.

After practice on Friday, Harris spoke to the media and discussed the growth of St-Juste and Forrest.

“I’ve seen guys that were really starting to get a grasp of just the game in general, and people tend to make their biggest jumps between their first and second years,” Harris said.

“When you come into the league, you’re still kind of green; you’re still learning. And then you see it for the first time that first season. So everything’s so fast your first year, and things tend to slow down for you going into that second year. You feel a little bit more comfortable. You’ve kind of seen some things. You don’t know everything, but you’ve seen some of these things. And so the game starts to slow down for you; you understand and learn how to study things you should be looking for. Because when you come into the NFL, you don’t know and it’s no fault of your own. You just don’t know. And so, they constantly been learning and we’ve been seeing really good growth out of both of those guys.”

Spoken like a true NFL veteran who has seen it as a player and a coach.

One area that dramatically improved the secondary was benching free-agent bust William Jackson III. Washington traded Jackson after his benching and St-Juste moved into his role on the outside. St-Juste often lines up against the opponent’s top receiver. St-Juste had some epic battles against Vikings star Justin Jefferson in Week 9, winning some and losing some.

Forrest’s improvement has been evident since Week 1. He started in place of Curl in Week 1 and was arguably Washington’s top defensive player. Forrest’s versatility allows him to play in the box or cover the deep middle of the field. The coaching staff used Forrest, Curl and veteran Bobby McCain together frequently and finally made Forrest a permanent starter at safety alongside Curl. The move allowed McCain to move to the slot, improving multiple positions at once.

Now, the Commanders have one of the top young safety duos in the league. Even more impressive is that Curl [seventh round] and Forrest [fifth round] were day-three picks.

Washington hopes to have St-Juste back for Week 15. He missed the last two games with an ankle injury.

As for Harris, you can bet the NFL is taking notice of his work with Washington’s young defensive backs.

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Gimme Him: One player Giants would steal from Commanders

With mounting injuries and issues in their secondary, this DB from the Washington Commanders makes sense for the New York Giants to steal.

The New York Giants (7-5-1) will visit the Washington Commanders (7-5-1) at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland this Sunday night.

That, of course, provides those of us here at Giants Wire the opportunity to hypothetically steal from the Commanders’ roster in search of depth and/or talent upgrades for Big Blue for the second time in three weeks.

Previously, we stole wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the Giants, so he is now obviously off the board. But as we mentioned last time, there’s plenty to choose from including edge rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young, safety Darrick Forrest, cornerback Kendall Fuller and guard Trai Turner.

We were also tempted by Samuel Cosmi because he can play the guard position, but he’s ultimately a right tackle and that position will be held down by Evan Neal.

In the end, we settled on safety Kamren Curl.

If the Giants were completely healthy, a safety is not what they’d need. But with Xavier McKinney on NFI, the position has become a problem for New York and that’s been compounded by injuries at the cornerback position.

Curl, who is in his third season after entering the league as a seventh-round pick, is the second-highest-graded safety in football. He’s not only evolved into a sure tackler, but he also sports an 81.0 coverage grade, which bests the Commanders’ defense (min. 210 snaps).

What are your thoughts, Giants fans? Would you pick Kamren Curl or would you steal an entirely different player from the Washington Commanders?

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