Commanders open combine week with the unfamiliar feeling of stability

The Washington Commanders find themselves in an unfamiliar position as the NFL world descends on Indianapolis this week for the annual scouting combine. For the first time in years, the Commanders are widely regarded as a competent organization that won’t need to sweat the quarterback situation.

After back-to-back years as the worst-ranked franchise in the league, according to a player survey, owner Josh Harris’ franchise surged to the 11th-best in this year’s NFL Players Association report cards. And after years of scouting quarterbacks at the combine, the Commanders are set at signal-caller with rising star Jayden Daniels.

The leadership team of Harris, general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn catapulted Washington from one of the NFL’s least desirable destinations to one of its most attractive.

“Key to the turnaround was the hiring of Dan Quinn, who finished the season as the No. 1 ranked head coach across the league,” the NFLPA wrote in its report, which surveyed more than 1,600 players. “When asked what the team does best, the most consistent response is clear: they are positively changing the culture — and it shows both in the survey results and on the field.”

The coaches, owners and front office staff were responsible for boosting dismal survey grades — an F- for family treatment rocketed to a B+ while travel amenities surged from an F to an A — but Daniels was responsible for energizing a long-dormant Commanders fanbase.

“It feels a lot better than last year. We’re thrilled to have Jayden and couldn’t be happier with his first year. I think that’s a big difference, really,” Peters said Tuesday. “I think you have one or you’re looking for one. I think that’s pretty established, so we’re very happy that we have one.”

The first season with Peters, Quinn and Daniels was a rousing success. The Commanders were the surprise of the season, turning a 4-13 record in 2023 into an NFC championship appearance in 2024.

That was only the beginning of what Quinn called a “recalibration,” not a rebuild.

“Last year, standing here, I didn’t know what I didn’t know about our team,” Quinn said Wednesday. “The most important thing I know now — that’s the definition of a Commander. … We aren’t just picturing it; we’ve seen it.”

Washington’s success was largely powered by an influx of free agents and a strong rookie class. Veterans like linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz and edge rusher Dante Fowler produced on one-year deals while serving as mentors for first-year players like Daniels and cornerback Mike Sainristil.

The bad news? The Commanders have 28 pending free agents, including Wagner and Ertz.

The good news? Washington’s front office has more than $80 million in cap space to re-sign players and bring in new free agents. Peters also has seven picks in April’s draft to keep laying a foundation.

When the top prospects lace up their cleats and don the latest athletic apparel to shave milliseconds off of their time in the 40-yard dash, Peters will be watching. Washington’s scouting staff will also be eager to see how prospects stack up in pass-catching, blocking and coverage drills.

Every team has benchmarks for players. Some offensive line coaches will avoid a prospect if arms are shorter than 33 inches, while others will only want a receiver who can surpass 4.5 seconds in the short shuttle.

But some of the most important traits, Peter said, won’t test like ideal prospects. Washington’s general manager said that was the case for the undersized Sainristil last year. The Michigan product ranked 24th among cornerbacks at last year’s combine with a middling 66 athleticism score, according to NFL.com.

Sainristil’s interviews and game tape were strong enough to convince Peters to draft him in the second round. The selection paid early dividends, as the rookie regularly looked like the most polished defensive back in Washington’s porous secondary throughout the season.

“That is a big thing for us, finding the right people. …” Peters said. “So, that’s always going to be the core of what we do.”

Last year’s search for the right quarterback was a success, as the Commanders selected Daniels over fellow prospects Drake Maye, Michael Penix and Bo Nix.

With the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft, the Commanders had the pick of the litter. But last season’s success gave Washington the 29th pick this year.

Without a top selection, the Commanders said they’ll thoroughly scout this year’s top prospects to find a fit for the organization. Quinn and Peters haven’t highlighted any positions of need, but wide receiver, offensive line and linebacker are likely holes.

“Man, are we looking for the competitive spirit in a player, guys who just love ball,” Quinn said. “They’re willing to show that connection to their teammates; it shows up in meetings.”

Washington is one of 10 teams to schedule a formal interview with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. The Heisman Trophy runner-up won’t compete in the combine’s on-field drills but still plans to meet with teams.

Other popular prospects linked to the Commanders in mock drafts include Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who told NBC that Daniels was “the biggest bada—” he played in college.

The on-field portion of the combine begins on Thursday and will continue through Sunday. Teams will have just under two months to finalize their draft boards before the NFL draft kicks off in Green Bay on April 24.