With the NFL Draft approaching, the Commanders are entering a stretch where the work becomes more focused and the decisions carry more weight.
In the latest episode of Commanders Daily, Bob Matthews points to an early sign of where things are headed. Jayden Daniels remained in Los Angeles after his recent flag football appearance and has already started working with Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, and Rashad White. It’s a small snapshot of the offseason, but it reflects a quarterback taking ownership of the offense and trying to build timing with the players around him before the formal program begins.
That matters for a group that still has pieces coming together. McLaurin is entering a pivotal year in his career following his extension last season, White is a new addition who needs to get up to speed, and the offense as a whole is still developing its identity. Getting that work in early is a step toward smoothing out some of that transition.
There are also signs the front office may have added more than just depth in free agency. Safety Nick Cross has drawn attention as a player who could play a meaningful role right away. At 24, he fits the profile Washington targeted this offseason, and his production against the run addresses a clear issue from last year’s defense.
The larger question, though, is still tied to the draft.
Most of the attention around the No. 7 pick has centered on wide receiver and edge rusher. Matthews adds another name to that conversation in Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a player widely viewed as one of the top overall talents in the class. His resume is difficult to ignore, and if he’s on the board, he becomes part of the discussion whether that was the original plan or not.
That is where this decision gets complicated. Washington can address immediate needs on offense or along the defensive front, or it can take a player who may simply be one of the best available regardless of position.
The answer to that question will define how this roster continues to take shape. Matthews walks through those scenarios and what they could mean for Washington in the full episode below.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior NFL Insider at SportsJourney.com, where he covers the Washington Commanders and the league at large. A Northern Virginia native and George Mason University graduate, his work has appeared in FanSided, NBC Sports Washington, Heavy.com, and The Fourth Estate. He is also the host of the “After Further Review” podcast, reaching a global audience with his analysis and storytelling.
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