NFL
By: Brock Vierra
No NFL franchise commands the headlines like the Washington Commanders. From their owner being a misogynistic idiot whose intervention has turned what was one of football’s great pillars into a piss-soaked mess of a team to constantly using the death of one of their greatest players as a get-out-of-jail-free card, Washington is without a doubt a first-class dumpster fire. However, they find themselves on the verge of a second playoff appearance in three years, with their last including a division title in 2020 despite them starting four different quarterbacks that season.
Nothing can stop Washington from contending. Not their Head Coach suffering and thankfully recovering from cancer, not their quarterback suffering a gruesome leg injury, not the FBI raiding their offices. The Commanders have been through a lot. Their former president was distributing nude photographs of team cheerleaders across the league, their stadium is in ruins, their owner is credited with harvesting a “toxic” work environment, and their DC has publicly supported the January 6th insurrection, an insurrection that happened in the area they represent. Whatever seems to happen off the field, the Commanders make it happen on it. However, a playoff victory has alluded them for over a decade and a half. Here’s a quick fix to right the ship that fails to sink.
The Taylor Heinicke experience does not follow logic or reason but the Commanders exceed expectations when he’s on the field. With him about to be a free agent, Washington should extend him. I’m looking at a 2-year, 15.5 million dollar deal with 9 million guaranteed. A lowball deal for a quarterback but I’m willing to gamble that Heinicke won’t get a bigger deal anywhere else and Heinicke won’t hesitate when it comes to the prospect of making the most money he’s ever made in his life. Plus this will guarantee the credited season he needs to be a part of the NFL’s pension program.
As a result, Carson Wentz has to go. With 0 dead money owed to him, Washington will save over 26 million dollars which they can use to build up the rest of the team. It’s clear that the wide receiver room has a clear agenda, route running and separation will trump all. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson are excellent at their craft. I would like to see the additions of Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle to that room. The former KC studs found new homes in 2022 but their experience with KC will prove dividend.
If Jamaal Williams hits free agency, I would love to see him come to Washington. One of the best short-yardage backs around would be a nice complement to Brian Robinson who is a revolution for the Commanders. A nice 1-2 punch that will be supplemented in the draft.
If Marcus Peters and Adrian Amos hit the market, I would like to see Wentz’ money used towards them. Peters is a veteran presence that would be a nice pairing with Kendall Fuller, especially after getting rid of William Jackson in the middle of the season. Peters may take a lighter deal to remain in the DMV area. Amos is the priority due to what he has done with Chicago and Green Bay. An underrated member of the Packers secondary, Amos would be a perfect pair with Kam Curl to complete what would be a stacked DB room.
In the NFL Draft, it is safe to assume Washington will draft between 13-26. In Round 1, I would like to add a DB or an elusive RB. Christian Gonzales from Oregon, Cam Smith from South Carolina, and Kelee Ringo from Georgia would be a nice addition. Bijan Robinson would light the NFC on fire and of course, Paris Johnson (tackle from Ohio State) would be a welcome sight to an o-line that hasn’t had stability in a long time.
In Round 2, I’d love to see a TE like Dalton Kincaid or Darnell Washington go to the Nation’s capital. Logan Thomas isn’t getting younger and a big target is a QBs best friend.
In Round 3, it’s time for Hendon Hooker to return to the DMV. The former Virginia Tech Hokie lit up college football as a member of the Tennessee Volunteers. His father Allen is a local HBCU legend and Hooker possesses both the athleticism of the modern quarterback and the brain power to run the modern offenses that coaches use today. In Josh Heupel’s no-huddle offense, he had to process info at a constant accelerated speed and his TD-to-INT ratio is off the charts. With Hooker being 25 when the 2023 Draft comes around, coming off a torn ACL, and the love being given to Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis, it is not crazy to think Hooker could fall to being QB5, QB6 or QB7 in this draft.
Hooker would sit a year behind Heinicke and his third-round deal would put Washington in cap heaven. The current wide receiver room in Washington mirrors the one he had at UT so his adjustment to the league should be easier and he’s used to playing in the weather that blows in from the Atlantic.
In the fourth, I’d like to see a wide receiver be added to the room. Fresno State’s Jalen Cropper, his college teammate Cedric Tillman, and Iowa State’s Xavier Hutchinson would be a nice addition but my heart is set on Michigan’s Ronnie Bell for his ability to get open underneath and his knack for turning the corner. He can also be used out of the backfield in the way Washington currently uses Curtis Samuel.
In the fifth, I’d enjoy the selection of Olusegun Oluwatimi. The big center from Michigan helped lead the way for a dominant run game from the Wolverines. The shot caller on college football’s best offensive line. The Outland and Rimington award winner would be a welcomed piece for an interior offensive line situation that is dodgy at best.
In the sixth, Mohamed Ibrahim from Minnesota is the best short-yardage back in this draft. He constantly ran for over 100 yards in college and should fall due to his injury history. This is straight no risk, all reward.
Jordan Whittington (if he declares) rounds out the draft in the seventh. The sure-handed receiver from Texas would be perfect fodder for Xavier Worthy and in an offense surrounded by stars, Whittington stood out. Not the greatest route runner and definitely not a guy that’s gonna moss you constantly but he will make the occasional contested catch and he’s the perfect rotational guy for a room that will have vets come in and out constantly.
Martin Mayhew will forge his career in Washington and in the NFL this offseason. I wish him the best and truly believe this blueprint will get the good times rolling for the red and gold.
