Commanding the Future

Boiling with talent, but will DC put it all together?

In March hearing a reference to boiling isn’t so bad, especially on the east coast in “Commander Country”. The stew has been stirred up again in the Dan Snyder pot, this time another financial issue relating to a 2020 loan he withdrew from the organization without any permission from the minority owners (40% to Snyder’s 60% stake). Unfortunately it’s not surprising to see the flames burning higher amongst the bitter end.

When April comes, Washington fans can find some sunlight again though as they hold the 16th pick in the draft. Not expecting a giant leap forward, a playmaker on offense or defense is very plausible. Major needs at key positions like tackle and linebacker might hold a higher priority to the staff, most mock drafts see the Commanders landing a stud at defensive back. DB is definitely the deepest position in the draft this year with 62 athletes invited to the combine. Stars who have potentially caught the eye of the staff are Devon Witherspoon, an aggressive, handsy corner has a highlight reel that Jack Del Rio is probably still watching! Meanwhile Rivera is in Indianapolis for the combine this week watching Christian Gonzalez jump 41.5” in the vertical jump! Even if those two aren’t available for Del Rios’s defense, theirs a new commander of the offense who would love to add a freak athlete tight end such as Dalton Kincaid from Utah. Bienemy coming in to town as OC and asst. Head Coach should mean a valued opinion for all of the draft choices this team is preparing to make.

Daron Payne , a monster of a man. Easily a top five defensive tackle in the league and the most important of free agents for the Commanders. An agreement to the franchise tag is a positive step, and soon talks will ramp up for a long term deal. Note the unique approach to the leagues philosophy of locking down two premier interior defensive lineman. The other important free agent to retain will be Cole Holcomb, who Rivera has personally groomed and praises often. Leading the team in tackles there should be no reason to not stake a claim in Cole’s future.

Rivera might feel a little extra pressure to succeed after hiring Bienemy. But only added pressure equals higher goals and more attention to detail to obtain said goals. Look for a surprise finish in the division next season , predicting second to only Philadelphia! The new owners would be proud of a competitive playoff bid surely, whoever that at may be. Hopefully for D.C.’s sake the dark tunnel is coming to a light., and they can take command of their future.

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