Tag: Ryan Kerrigan

Every player drafted No. 16 overall in the NFL draft since 2000

Washington has had some good luck at No. 16 overall.

Since the year 2000, the Washington Commanders picked at No. 16 overall on three occasions: 2011, 2022 and the upcoming 2023 NFL draft.

Looking back at the last 23 years, there have been some excellent players to go at No. 16, including a Pro Football Hall of Famer in 2003 [Troy Polamalu]. If you go back 38 years, arguably the greatest offensive player in history — Jerry Rice – went No. 16 to the San Francisco 49ers in 1985.

In 2011, Washington picked one of the greatest players in franchise history, Ryan Kerrigan. Last year, the Commanders selected Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson in a trade-down. Dotson looked like a future star in 2022.

There’s also another player on this list who was drafted by another team and ended up being one of the best offensive players in Washington’s franchise history. Do you remember who that player is? You’ll find out soon.

Here is a look at every player selected No. 16 overall in the NFL draft since 2000.

WATCH: Ryan Kerrigan in action as a coach at the Senior Bowl

Kerrigan jokes that he needs to hit the weight room again.

Ryan Kerrigan is one of Washington’s greatest players. The all-time franchise sack leader sadly spent his final NFL season with Philadelphia in 2021 before signing a one-day contract last summer to retire in Washington.

Kerrigan and his family were at training camp last summer when he retired and met with the press to discuss his career. He openly discussed coaching being a possibility, and that head coach Ron Rivera allowed Kerrigan to shadow the coaches for a couple of weeks in camp to determine if he wanted to try coaching.

Everything changed when Rivera fired defensive line coach Sam Mills III. Washington promoted assistant defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina to defensive line coach, and Kerrigan was now a full-time coach as the assistant defensive line coach.

You could argue that Washington’s defensive line was at its best as a collective unit for the first time in years. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne earned Pro Bowl bids, while Montez Sweat continued to improve, becoming a dominant force against the run. Some of the Commanders’ young D-linemen progressed, and many credited Zgonina and Kerrigan.

After finishing his first season as a coach, Kerrigan was one of four Washington assistants to coach a position at the Reese’s Senior Bowl under the new format.

In this video from Washington’s Twitter, Kerrigan appeared to be as intense as he was during his playing career. He also injected some humor into the mix.

At one point, the noticeably slimmed-down Kerrigan noted while going through drills with his defensive linemen, “I need to hit the weight room, that Peloton’s doing me no favors right now.”

Congratulations to Coach Kerrigan on a terrific year — his first as a coach at the highest level.

This year’s Senior Bowl is important for the Commanders’ coaching staff

Four Washington assistants will coach at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl adopted a different format for 2023. Instead of two entire NFL coaching staffs coaching each team, the head coaches will act in an advisory role to different assistants throughout the NFL to promote professional development.

The new format is also good for the players. Every Senior Bowl participant will have the opportunity to work with coaches from staffs around the NFL, not one specific team. Yes, every team will be heavily represented at practice each day, but the chance for coaches to work closely with players can benefit teams and players.

The Washington Commanders will have four coaches in the game, with franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan among them. Kerrigan will coach the defensive line for the National team. Assistant running backs coach Jennifer King, assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton and assistant special teams coach Ben Jacobs will also coach in the game.

This will be a good opportunity for Washington’s coaching staff. You have full-time assistants working with specific position groups. The coaches see how these players work every day, if they’re coachable, see their strengths and weaknesses and most importantly, compete.

When we look back at past Washington draft classes, the current roster is littered with players who played in Mobile. Last year alone, quarterback Sam Howell, running back Brian Robinson Jr., wide receiver Jahan Dotson, tight end Cole Turner and guard Chris Paul all participated in the 2022 Senior Bowl.

Dotson looks like a future star, while Robinson established himself as a clear No. 1 running back late in 2022. Howell showed promise in his final start and has the chance to win the starting quarterback job in 2023. Paul started the last game, showing promise, while injuries limited Turner after a solid start to training camp.

Star wideout Terry McLaurin is also a Senior Bowl alum.

Washington needs help on the offensive line. Wharton, along with Jarrod James, will coach the National team’s offensive line. There are some intriguing prospects among that group.

Don’t be surprised if the Commanders leave Mobile with an idea of some offensive linemen they like in April’s NFL draft.

Washington appears fairly set at running back, but Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic will enter the final year of their contracts in 2023. Don’t be surprised if the Commanders add a running back later in the draft. King will have a good look at four talented prospects.

The Senior Bowl is always a fun time, as it’s the unofficial kickoff to draft season. For Washington, head coach Ron Rivera and his staff have an opportunity to add some talented and experienced players that can help the Commanders in 2023.

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Ryan Kerrigan among 4 Commanders’ coaches selected for Reese’s Senior Bowl

Quite an honor for Kerrigan, who just completed his first season as a coach.

Washington Commanders franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan recently completed his first season as a coach. It also happened to be the first year Kerrigan didn’t play football since he was a small child.

Kerrigan, who retired in July as a member of the Washington organization, where he played 10 seasons and is the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks, spoke of trying out coaching. Head coach Ron Rivera had Kerrigan “shadow” Washington’s defensive coaches in training camp before suddenly, an opportunity arose.

The Commanders fired defensive line coach Sam Mills III early in training camp. Replacing him was assistant defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina. In a corresponding move, Rivera named Kerrigan the assistant defensive line coach, meaning he was a full-time coach in his first year out of football.

That’s a pretty remarkable accomplishment.

Washington’s defensive line was outstanding in 2022, with players crediting Zgonina and Kerrigan, who often specifically worked with pass rushers.

Now that the season is over, Kerrigan received another opportunity. He was among four Washington coaches selected to coach in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Kerrigan will coach the defensive line for the National squad.

Joining Kerrigan are assistant running backs coach Jennifer King, assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton and assistant special teams coach Ben Jacobs.

The Senior Bowl has a new coaching format this year. In previous years, the entire coaching staff of two of the worst NFL teams had a leg up in scouting the top senior prospects for the entire week. Now, the Detroit Lions and New York Jets head coaches will serve in an advisory capacity to the other selected coaches.

The Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4.

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio pleased with Ryan Kerrigan’s role as assistant coach

Ryan Kerrigan’s coaching career is off to a fast start.

It’s rare to see NFL teams make coaching changes in training camp. However, the Washington Commanders made a notable over the summer, firing defensive line coach Sam Mills III and promoting assistant defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina to defensive line coach.

By promoting Zgonina, the Commanders had an opening for an assistant defensive line coach. Would head coach Ron Rivera backfill that position, and who would he hire just one month ahead of a new season?

As it turns out, the answer was right in front of Rivera. Recently retired Washington legend Ryan Kerrigan, who had been shadowing coaches over the summer to see if full-time coaching may be in his future, was promoted to fill Zgonina’s old role.

The move went over well with Washington’s players, most of whom played with Kerrigan and held him in high regard.

It’s not a coincidence that Washington’s defensive line is playing at an elite after Zgonina and Kerrigan’s promotions. The former players relate well to the Commanders’ current group of defensive linemen.

Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was recently asked how Kerrigan has helped the defensive line this season.

“Yeah, he is doing his job as a coach, looking to help guys,” Del Rio said. “I think him having a different perspective, especially with the defensive ends and creating awareness as pass rushers and looking to attack different things that we identify throughout the week, that’s part of his job, help us put that rush plan together. I think he’s done a great job with it.”

Coach Kerrigan’s second career has gotten off to a fast start.

Chase Young discusses what he learned about himself over the past year

Chase Young discussed his recovery, return and Ryan Kerrigan.

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young returned to practice Wednesday. Young, who tore his ACL last November, was activated from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday morning, and the Commanders now have 21 days to either activate Young to the roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

Young is going to play — and soon. How soon? Young isn’t quite ready to answer that question.

“I ain’t gonna go into it,” Young said when asked about potentially playing Sunday. “I ain’t gonna go into that one, but all I know is I’m sticking to my plan.”

Young’s knee injury was serious, and during his long and arduous recovery, he had plenty of downtime when he wasn’t rehabbing.

“I think the biggest thing that came out of it was patience,” he said. “Knowing that it’s just on God’s time, not my time. Things happen for a reason. We never know why they happened but what I did was I tried to find out why it happened. I tried to just think about what in my life, this happened, that happened. But I just, at the end of the day, I know it’s all on God, and I know that he’s in my corner. I don’t even look at it really as a setback. I just look at it as a test from God, you know? I can come back stronger.”

Young’s positive outlook is refreshing.

One topic many are curious about is are the players tired of dealing with the off-field stuff. Young was asked about the Snyder family reportedly exploring all options in regard to selling the team.

“Yeah, I mean, I feel like we just lean on our teammates in the locker room,” Young said. “We really don’t pay attention a lot to the outside noise cuz we have so much stuff we have to do inside the facility to win games. We really, uh, we just, we stay the task at hand, got the blinders on and that’s really how we rocking there.”

Young sounded like his head coach on that answer, which was perfect.

One more fun nugget from Young’s chat with the media. Young was asked about former teammate and current assistant defensive line coach Ryan Kerrigan.

“Oh, that’s tough,” Youn said. “Shoot. Growing up playing the video game with RK, then playing with RK now RK is coaching me. I feel like it’s a dream come true for real.”

Young has never hidden his admiration for Kerrigan.

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Commanders new coach Ryan Kerrigan: ‘It’s about the players’

Ryan Kerrigan speaks to the media on the same day he becomes a full-time NFL coach.

Upon being named the new assistant defensive line coach, Ryan Kerrigan spoke with the media Monday.

Kerrigan, who recorded 95.5 career sacks — the most in Washington’s franchise history — opened by saying that having his competitive aspect fueled is good for him.

When asked about the defensive line being undisciplined and not maintaining rushing lanes, Kerrigan responded, “You don’t want guys to rush cautiously, but you do want them to be aware,” he answered. “You gotta be aware of where the quarterback is. That has to be at the forefront of your mind when you’re rushing because a defensive end can’t turn it at 12 yards and expect the quarterback to be sitting there. That will create a massive B-gap window, so that is something we’re definitely going to have to emphasize and work on so that we can get better pressure on quarterbacks.”

“They (current linemen) are all hard workers; they all do what they are asked to do. So I don’t anticipate having to do that (get on them). From my vantage point, having played with these guys a couple of years ago, it’s an awesome situation for me personally. I really want these guys to succeed. I’m just hopeful I can impact them in a positive way, help them find success, and then ultimately, our team finds success.”

“As long as you can be critical of the performance and not the person, I think that is the best way to go about it. You can say, ‘Here is where you need to be better’ as long as you are not being disrespectful to them.”

“It is interesting how your mindset shifts. Seeing the schedule from a different lens (coach rather than player) has been the biggest thing for me, and you kind of look at the game differently now as a coach.”

“I didn’t anticipate an opportunity would come so quick, being that it was in late July (Kerrigan retired). I’m really thankful Coach Rivera gave me this opportunity. I’m just hoping to prove him right.”

“The time I will be able to put in watching each guy will allow me to give them better feedback because as a player I was watching mostly myself. It’s all about them. It’s not about me anymore. When I initially met with Coach Rivera he said (in coaching) you’re serving the players.”

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Commanders name Ryan Kerrigan assistant defensive line coach

The Commanders made if official on Monday.

The Washington Redskins made it official Monday with franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan, naming him assistant defensive line coach ahead of the 2022 season.

Kerrigan signed a one-day contract with the Commanders in July so he could retire with the organization where he spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career. During his retirement press conference, Kerrigan expressed an interest in coaching.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Kerrigan would spend training camp and the preseason with the team to see if coaching was something he wanted to do.

Entering training camp, Sam Mills III was Washington’s defensive line coach. Former NFL player Jeff Zgonina was the assistant defensive line coach. Rivera dismissed Mills early in camp and named Zgonina the new defensive line coach. Kerrigan helped out with the young pass rushers throughout training camp, earning praise from several of his former teammates.

Now, Washington’s all-time franchise leader in sacks is officially a full-time NFL coach.

“Ryan Kerrigan is one of the most accomplished players in this franchise’s history,” said head coach Ron Rivera. “Following his retirement, we had a great talk about his goals for life after playing. Ryan had an interest in coaching, and we were able to allow him to shadow our coaching staff this summer. He is an extremely hard worker with tremendous knowledge of the defensive line position group. I look forward to watching him develop as a coach and assist Coach Zgonina in the defensive line room.”

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Ryan Kerrigan grateful to be named as one of the ’90 greatest’ in Washington history

Ryan Kerrigan is honored to be named as one of the “90 greatest” in franchise history. And he’s also happy for Trent Williams.

It’s been a busy summer for former Washington defensive end Ryan Kerrigan. Kerrigan signed a one-day contract with Washington in July so could he retire with the franchise where he spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career.

Next, head coach Ron Rivera brought Kerrigan onto the coaching staff to “shadow” the defensive coaches in an effort to see if coaching was something the all-time franchise leader in sacks wanted to do.

During his retirement announcement in July, Kerrigan mentioned coaching as a possibility for him moving forward.

On Thursday, Kerrigan received another honor as he was one of 10 men named to the “90 greatest” players/coaches in Washington’s 90-year franchise history.

Afterward, Kerrigan spoke of the prestigious honor.

“It’s pretty damn cool, man,” Kerrigan said according to Bijan Todd of NBC Sports Washington. “Obviously, 90-year history of this franchise—to be part of that group is pretty special to me.”

Several players who played with Kerrigan also were honored, such as Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, London Fletcher, DeAngelo Hall and longtime teammate, Trent Williams.

Williams was Washington’s first-round pick in 2010, while Kerrigan was the first-round pick in 2011.

Kerrigan was happy to be honored alongside Williams.

“I always loved Trent as a teammate, loved him as a friend, and it’s awesome to still see him playing so well,” Kerrigan said. “Definitely a well-deserved honor for him as well.”

The pair were teammates for nine seasons in Washington and often represented the franchise in the Pro Bowl.

Kerrigan spent the 2020 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. During his nine seasons with Washington, he appeared in 156 games and recorded 95.5 sacks.

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Washington names 10 players to franchise’s ’90 greatest’ list

Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Williams, Chris Cooley and Santana Moss were among Washington’s additions to the “90 greatest” list.

To commemorate 90 years as an NFL franchise, the Washington Commanders named 10 former greats to their “90 greatest” list on Thursday.

Washington announced nine former players and one former coach to the list at the team’s annual Welcome Home Luncheon at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill.

The list was trimmed to 10 after the organization began a fan vote in July. Here is the complete list:

  • DE Ryan Kerrigan (2011-2020)
  • LT Trent Williams (2010-2019)
  • WR Santana Moss (2005-2014)
  • TE Chris Cooley (2004-2012)
  • DT Darryl Grant (1981-1990)
  • LB London Fletcher (2007-2013)
  • CB DeAngelo Hall (2008-2017)
  • CB Champ Bailey (1999-2003)
  • DC Larry Peccatiello (1981-1993)
  • RB Stephen Davis (1996-2002)

Interestingly enough, all but Grant and Peccatiello were with Washington after owner Daniel Snyder bought the team in 1999. However, it’s difficult to dispute any of the players on the list.

Bailey is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Williams is still active with the San Francisco 49ers — and one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles.

Former quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III were among those on the ballot that didn’t make the final 10.

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