Legend Celebrated & Hopeful Star Selected

One of the most anticipated and exciting, non-sports game related events of the year had finally arrived: NFL Draft Day! After months of speculation, evaluation and the unknown of how picks and rounds would unfold, NFL teams and fans were ready for the start of the 3 day event, starting with round 1 on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Last month, I wrote about my fun experience with Drake Maye and how the QB carousel and storylines were off and running. Where would it all lead to on draft night? Personally, I never really watched much video of any of the top QB’s and admittedly, just read and listened to a lot of analysts. I was back and forth between Maye and Daniels and leading up to draft week, was slightly leaning Daniels as my personal preference. Still, no one really knew what direction the front office was leaning. And I loved this! While there was speculation by trusted insiders like Adam Schefter about Daniels to Washington 2 weeks out, there were no leaks from the inside. Washington seemed to keep the league and rival teams guessing. And then after the multiple perspectives on the 4 QB’s Top Golf Visit, there were more reasons to wonder what may happen at #2.

But during the day, while all the hype was leading up to round 1 of the draft in just a few hours, the Burgundy & Gold released a video of our HOF Legend Darrell Green- my personal favorite Redskins player in my youth- talking about the upcoming draft. But wait…there’s more!

Yes, to Darrell’s shock, and I would add our fans’ delight: it was announced that finally, his #28 jersey would be officially retired! Seeing how this went down, how Darrell responded, and who else was involved in making this a thoughtful, very special moment, it was very moving. Here is what I said:

What a way to kick off some draft day excitement! And then, Burgundy & Gold Nation would eagerly await who our brain trust would land on at #2, in hopes of another future legend who would help bring back long-awaited Super Bowl glory, and perhaps be able to join Darrell in Canton someday. It would not be an understatement to say that this could very well be one of the, if not the most important drafts in Washington Redskins/Commanders history. With our unique draft capital, desperate need for a QB, and at the beginning of this very exciting Josh Harris Ownership Group mission, so many factors why this draft was an all-timer.

And then at number 2 after the Bears selected QB Caleb Williams as expected, it was officially announced: Jayden Daniels was indeed the guy!

My immediate perspective is that I have tremendous confidence in Adam Peters and the front office and really believe that in selecting Daniels, it was based on ample data, as they left no stone unturned. They are proving to be extremely thorough, meticulous, outside the box evaluators, and I trust them. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt. No reason to suggest otherwise at this point. And while these draft picks are never a sure thing- especially at QB- we can only hope…we have to hope, that we got it right! I’m hopeful that we got the potential star and hopefully even better person right. And I’m also hopeful that for the first time in nearly a quarter century, a potential star QB can come into a good, classy, unified, skilled, professional organization and culture, that would give him the best chance to be the best version of himself and thrive. And it can’t be understated how important this is for elite athletes to have a chance at the highest level. Especially at QB, the most important position in all of sports.

Yes, what a day. A day of celebrating an all-time, favorite Redskins legend. And a day of celebrating the new direction of this beloved and storied franchise and hoping that maybe, possibly, we now have a legitimate chance. A chance to not only have a legitimate star at QB, but a real chance that this potential star can have a conducive atmosphere to thrive, and help the Burgundy & Gold be able to get back to high-level, sustained winning. And maybe, retire more future player jerseys like the beloved, Darrell Green.

Embed Block

Add an embed URL or code. Learn more

When I ran routes for Drake Maye!

It was early morning and I was taking my son JT to go check out an event that featured the top NFL incoming QB draft prospects. Down the hill to our right we saw Drake Maye all by himself on a tennis court, launching passes over the fence- and over the adjacent interstate to the right! I said, “WOW! He really does have a cannon arm! Let’s go down and see if he would like for us to run routes for him.

As expected, he was very friendly and happy to throw the ball with us. I asked him if I could run some go routes and he was all-in. But unfortunately, I under-ran a few, and kept dropping balls he placed in my hands that should have been catchable. I told him my bad, that he was doing great, and that maybe I should run some simple slants instead- which were much easier for me to catch.

Next thing I knew we were sitting down and I started asking him questions. I asked if he had interacted with Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels- the other 2 top QB prospects. He said he hadn’t and that he really hasn’t had time, as his tight schedule has him focused on what he can do to improve, stay disciplined in his preparation and drills and be focused on what’s next. I also asked him what he enjoys in his free time when he travels. He said that he has a support team that travels with him that helps him manage his time, hold him accountable, and won’t let him deviate beyond the structured routine and disciplines that he holds himself to. I was very impressed and thought, this is the kind of kid I would want playing QB for my Burgundy & Gold.

Then, I woke up! Yes, this was a vivid dream I had this morning! Welcome to my funny world and I guess, something I have been thinking about a lot lately. On a side funny note: in my dream, Maye (who I wouldn’t be able to recognize if I saw him in real life!) actually looked like QB JD McCoy, in one of my favorite shows ever- “Friday Night Lights!”

But yeah, as a Washington football fan, who we draft at #2 overall is a huge topic of constant conversation among friends and media.

The widespread speculation, locally and nationally, is that the Bears take Caleb Williams #1. Still, speculation remains. Would Washington’s evaluation of Williams, a local phenom out of Gonzaga High School, be an overwhelming 1, and thus attempt to trade up one spot with the Bears to get the top QB? I will say, that IF Adam Peters and his brain trust are convinced Williams is elite, and clearly above the other top QB prospects, yes they should do what it takes to move up- if Chicago is truly open to dealing the pick.

But assuming a trade up will not happen, what will Washington do with this #2 pick? No surprise at all, and par for the course this time of year before the draft, the rumor mill swirls.

Some think a trade back to accumulate picks is possible. Would Washington find better value in passing on a QB at #2- IF they don’t absolutely love the guy- and rather, having a couple of first round picks? Perhaps taking a JJ McCarthy, or Michael Penix, Jr. later, and also draft someone like Brock Bowers, or one of the LT prospects?

Or, could Washington go the route of trying to bring back free agent QB Kirk Cousins, and still draft another QB later in the draft who could be developed for a few years under Cousins? Let me just say on this: while I love Kirk Cousins, and have well documented what I thought we should have done when he was our QB, I do not think we will go the route of bringing him back in this scenario. Now of course if Peters thinks this is the best route, I’m all in. But while a part of me would love Cousins being back and having a chance at winning redemption, I think that having this highly valued #2 pick- in a perceived very rich QB prospect draft- compels me to say that I absolutely think we need to go for it, not trade down, and draft our franchise QB at #2. While I liked a lot of things we saw in Sam Howell- especially early on in the season- the way things unraveled and his play dropped off (which could also be in large fault to Bienemy’s relentless pass-heavy attack), I’m not sure what to think about Howell’s potential. And generally speaking, when we don’t know what to make of the QB play, it’s more likely that we don’t have a franchise, QB1 star. Hope I’m wrong and maybe Howell could still be special. And I like a lot about who he is. But yes, I think we need to take another swing and draft one of the top QB’s.

So who do I prefer we take at #2? Honestly, I still have no idea. Running routes for Drake Maye didn’t convince me of anything! I haven’t watched enough on Daniels, Maye or anyone else to have any legit conclusions. While Daniels seems to have elite play-extending instincts, speed, and a good arm, he also has a very light frame- in the low 200’s. He would certainly need to pack on a lot of muscle to give him a better chance to avoid injury. And while Maye is a big guy, has his cannon arm, and is also very athletic, the concern seems to be his inconsistent accuracy and decisions on the hot routes, and his footwork.

And most importantly, what do we know about how these athletes are as people? Do they have incredible work ethic? Do they devour film? Are they the first one in the building and the last to leave? Are they gym rats? Do they eat well? Are they leaders? Do their teammates love them? Do they have a growth mindset? How do they handle adversity? All the intangibles. So essential.

At the end of the day, I am going to be very excited, and trust what Adam Peters decides is the best football decision for the organization. And let me also say that the reports of Josh Harris sitting in at QB meetings. does not bother or concern me in the slightest! From the jump, Harris has told us, that while he wants to learn, listen and be involved as an owner in various things, he will not be “involved”, as in making football decisions. He has completely turned this over to Adam Peters and his people. And I think this is completely reasonable! Zero problem with him wanting to sit in on QB meetings to listen, learn and support. Trusted source Sam Fortier laid it out:

Too many of our fans have Snyder PTSD and think this means Harris is doing the same! Absolutely not. Snyder would actually be the one running the meetings, and deciding who they would meet with! So grateful these days are behind us!

I am all-in on our tremendous ownership group. I trust what they are doing. I love the Adam Peters hire. And I gotta say, even though at first I admittedly wanted, and thought we would get Ben Johnson…the more I hear, watch and get to know more about what actually went down, and how much they also loved Dan Quinn from the jump, the more excited I am about Dan Quinn, and think we got someone who is great communicator, leader, motivator, and someone who is hungry.

Love this time of the year, and excited to see what my Burgundy & Gold decide to do in the draft and in free agency. And who knows, maybe if it’s Drake Maye, there will be a future opportunity to run routes for him!

The Josh Harris Group Future is NOW!

Did it make me sick to see all the Cowboys fans in our house yesterday? Absolutely. Did it make me sick that they beat us to win the NFC East? Absolutely. But yesterday was the only time in my life that I can remember wanting to lose to the Cowboys. And trusting it will be the last! To secure the #2 slot of draft picks for the best chance of franchise altering trajectory is huge and in the big picture, way more important than this game vs. the despised Cowboys. (Looking forward to seeing the Lions get their revenge @ Dallas in the playoffs!)

If you have been paying attention since the Josh Harris Group took over, there has been so much to like from the jump. Though I was hopeful we may have a good season b/c of the change (very wrong about predicting 11 wins!), it was never about the season on the field. No matter what happened, nothing was going to dampen my optimism with this ownership group. And it shouldn’t for other Washington fans either. Taking over in late July (on my birthday!) gave them no chance to make any moves prior to the season. They communicated that it would be a sit back and evaluate kind of season. And in spite of many fans who wanted Rivera fired before the season ended, Harris stayed true to his word: giving Ron Rivera the full season, no matter what. Which I also think was smart as staying with him when things started unraveling actually gave us the better chance to lose out and get this #2 pick!

And now, we finally get to see what we have long anticipated: the Josh Harris Group ready for their first offseason, with many moves and exciting things upcoming.

As expected, Ron Rivera was let go this morning. Harris put out a very impressive, classy statement, communicating his gratitude for Rivera, and vision for the future.

And Rivera put out a great statement as well. No, this wasn't Danny firing Zorn at 4:30AM- after making him wait around for 2 hours- immediately after the team got back from their game. This was all class and respect, from both sides.

As I have said many times: I don’t think there is a head coach- perhaps ever- that I can think of who has had to deal with more adversity and organizational challenges than Ron Rivera. Cancer. COVID. Team name changes. Investigations. Allegations. Media onslaught. Snyder. Ownership changes. You name it. Yet through it all, he fought. He was determined, and relentless in his efforts to stay the course, not give up, not give in. And do his best. And I will forever respect him and be grateful for what he did here.

Remember what we often saw and grew sick of in years past? Dan and Vinny or Dan and Bruce running around rogue with no smart plan to chase and lure HC candidates? In stark contrast, Harris is demonstrating so much more brilliance and competence, by first surrounding himself with a team of advisors- including the well-respected Bob Myers who was the elite GM of the NBA 4X champ Warriors- to help evaluate who these next hires should be.

This is what smart, forward thinking good organizations do! Not only is it impressive how quickly they have assembled a team, and are jumping into this well thought of plan in lining up multiple interviews. But they have also done it without any leaks along the way!

Now we get to see how this exciting process unfolds and who is hired. For the first time in decades- before Snyder- we are about ready to see a true, successful structure: an actual GM who has true control of football operations (possibly a team president over him), and then a HC who the GM hires, who should have full control over the roster moves, in healthy tandem with the GM, assembling and having full control over the roster.

Why have I been so excited about this offseason?

- Harris Group gets to finally start making their moves with their people.

- We get a complete overhaul from Snyder's previous connections.

- We get a new GM, and possibly team president as well.

- We get a new HC

- We have a surplus of high draft capital: #2 overall round picks, 2- 2nd round picks, 2- 3rd round picks (5 picks in top 100!), and many others!

- We have about 90M of salary cap space!

- We may get a team name rebrand announcement!

- We may get RFK stadium announcement!

Yes, if you are paying close attention, there are many reasons to be excited about the future of the Washington, Burgundy & Gold, NFL football team. We just got to experience our version of "The process" in this 2023 on field season! Time to buy now friends.

This is indeed a new day. The future is NOW!