Daily Slop – 13 Apr 24: Articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East and the NFL in general

Commanders links

Articles

Riggo’s Rag

Commanders draft confusion given perfect depiction by leading analyst

A leading analyst provided the perfect depiction to the ongoing confusion surrounding the Commanders’ draft plans at No. 2 overall.

“Yeah, it’s widely accepted at this point that the Commanders will draft a quarterback at No. 2 — the question is which one. When I asked a dozen NFL scouts and executives about the selection, I kept hearing that [Jayden] Daniels is the most likely pick. That intel, of course, is from people outside the Commanders’ organization, so take it with a grain of salt, but it sounds like many people around the league believe the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will follow Williams off the board.”

It’s a perfect depiction. While ignoring the momentum surrounding Daniels would be foolish, Peters hasn’t shown his hand yet. There’s also the small matter of their meetings next week to get through before discussions ramp up ahead of the big night.

Whether it’s Daniels, Maye, or McCarthy, nobody can accuse the Commanders of not being thorough. They’ve turned over every stone and utilized every possible resource to get a broad perception of each candidate for the No. 2 pick. The film tells plenty, but sitting down to learn about what makes them tick, their ability to lead, and their inner ambition is also an integral part of the process.

Riggo’s Rag

3 players Commanders could trade during 2024 NFL Draft season

Which players could Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters potentially trade before, during, or after the 2024 NFL Draft?

Commanders could trade Phidarian Mathis

It’s been an incredibly frustrating start to Phidarian Mathis’ time with the Washington Commanders. His rookie season ended after just a few short snaps due to injury. The defensive tackle began 2023 on injured reserve before returning to the rotation, where he was largely ineffective and unable to impose himself.

The Commanders could be in the market for another explosive young interior force to place behind Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the depth chart. Adam Peters does have Mathis and John Ridgeway as backups currently, but the general manager shouldn’t hesitate if he thinks an upgrade can be sought at some stage.

If this scenario comes to fruition, the Commanders might begin taking calls for Mathis during or after the 2024 NFL Draft. Whether there would be any legitimate interest in the former second-round pick out of Alabama given his first two years in the league is anyone’s guess, but teams are always willing to part ways with a late-round selection in the hope a player like this can reach his potential in a different environment.

Podcasts & videos

Jeremy Chinn is ‘PISSED OFF’ | Free Agency Friday | Washington Commanders

NFC East links

NFL.com

2024 NFL Draft: Ideal top two picks for every team

Washington Commanders

Round 1: No. 2 overall: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Round 2: No. 36 overall: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Commanders GM Adam Peters was part of the 49ers group that made Brock Purdy a very relevant Mr. Irrelevant in 2022. McCarthy’s game is the closest to Purdy’s among the top four quarterback prospects, bringing competitiveness, athleticism and an unapologetic willingness to throw passes into tight windows. The release of Charles Leno Jr. makes finding a left tackle a priority. Morgan is a solid pass protector with smooth movement and a stout anchor despite average length (32 7/8-inch arms).

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1: No. 24 overall: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

Round 2: No. 56 overall: Brandon Coleman, OL, TCU

The Texas running back’s fit with the Cowboys is too strong to ignore. Not only does the team need a true playmaker at the position, but his November knee surgery was also performed by Dallas’ team doctors — so they’d know his rehab progress. His combination of power, agility and vision when healthy make him a late first-round value. Coleman’s stock is still on the rise; if Dallas is lucky, the versatile tackle/guard with plus athleticism will be available at the end of Round 2, allowing the Cowboys to make up for Tyron Smith’s departure in free agency.

New York Giants

Round 1: No. 6 overall: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Round 2: No. 47 overall: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

If the Giants are truly looking to move on from Daniel Jones, then Maye’s strong arm, fearless attitude and thick overall build would be a welcome sight at MetLife Stadium. His strong physical presence could remind GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll of Josh Allen — both Schoen and Daboll were in the Bills organization when Allen arrived in Buffalo. Schoen signed Jalen Mills in free agency to help make up for the loss of Xavier McKinney, but the former Patriot could be used in a slot role, with Hicks playing in the box and deep at safety.

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1: No. 22 overall: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Round 2: No. 50 overall: Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan

GM Howie Roseman will likely have to make his fifth first-round trade in the last six years to get Mitchell after the corner excelled at the Senior Bowl and combine (4.33 40 and 20 bench reps at 195 pounds). He may lose the 50th pick in such a trade but would still have the 53rd selection. The Eagles took Landon Dickerson early in the second round in 2021 after he suffered an injury late in his final college season — like Zinter. The Michigan guard is a powerful and agile lineman who would step into a starting role as soon as he is able, assuming Cam Jurgens moves to center to replace Jason Kelce.

NFL league links

Articles

Pro Football Talk

Police report says Rashee Rice was driving at 119 mph seconds before crash

According to the Dallas Morning News, the arrest affidavit contends that Rice was driving the Lamborghini Urus 119 miles per hour roughly 4.5 seconds before the six-car crash. The Corvette against which Rice was racing allegedly was going 116 mph.

The speed limit on the highway where the crash happened was 70 miles per hour.

Rice reportedly faces eight felony charges as a result of the crash. Neither the Chiefs nor the NFL have taken action in response to the incident, which exposes Rice to scrutiny under the Personal Conduct Policy.