After months of speculation, the Washington Commanders will finally decide what to do with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The WTOP Sports team offers their choice with Washington's top selection, the absolute must-have positions and/or players from this draft and whether the Burgundy and Gold should trade back into the first round fo…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back talking with VSIN's Tim Murray about the Commanders and the NFL draft. Ben opens the episode with a reaction to the recent kerfuffle about Washington's choice at 2 and why he's not assuming Jayden Daniels is the pick (even though he keeps picking the LSU star). Then Tim enters (18:40) for some draft talk through t…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for the Standig Room Only 2024 NFL first-round mock draft. Ben, Evan Silva (Establish The Run), and Danny Heifitz (The Ringer) alternate all 32 selections while sharing how they see each pick. There are conversations about the Commanders at 2, Drake Maye, whether Michael Penix goes in the first round, GM Aaron Rod…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back talking about the NFL draft, Jayden Daniels's development -- and why teams are often so lousy with draft strategy. After opening with notes on Josh Harris' new batch of organizational upgrades, Ben welcomes in Vikings beat writer Alec Lewis (10:45). Alec researched the best practices in drafting for NFL teams an r…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about the NFL draft with The Athletic's senior analyst Dane Brugler. Ben opens the episode running through his view of the teams choosing in the top 15, including the best bets for trades. Then it's Dane time (18:10). On J.J. McCarthys' rise even as someone touting the Michigan QB. The number one required …

The Athletic's Ben Standig follows up the 1-on-1 with Adam Schefter in the prior episode with more Commanders and NFL draft talk. Ben and Al Galdi (The Al Galdi podcast) discuss the QB talk at 2, what we should discuss beyond 2, and a reflection on how much the trial of the late O.J. Simpson impacted our news coverage to this day (8:35). Then 49ers…

The Athletic's Ben Standig talks Commanders and The NFL draft with ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Ben opens the episode discussing the upcoming "30" visits for Daniels and Maye in Ashburn before welcoming in the NFL's go-to newsbreaker (8:35). They discuss what "signs" point them to Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick—for now. Drake Maye…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back for another round of Commanders' pre-draft talk -- with charts! Ben opens (1:00) with some show notes and Terry McLaurin's thoughts before playing some recent Q&A audio from Washington's top receiver (12:45). Then the chat shifts to those cool statistical charts seen all over social media. They're insightful, but …

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking -- wait or it -- quarterbacks with NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms. The former NFL quarterback is never shy about offering an opinion, and Chris came out firing with pros/cons, rankings/tiers, and specific insight on his top six passers, starting with Caleb Williams. As prospects, Jayden Daniels or C.J. Stroud? …

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking Commanders with Sheil Kapadia (The Ringer). Ben opens with his current assessment of the QB-at-2 buzz and where the other eight draft picks slot into the depth chart. Then Sheil joins to analyze Washington's voluminous free agent moves, the apparent roster plan, Marcus Mariota, and Frankie Luvu. Also, Sheil's J…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is still discussing this busy time for the Commanders. This time with Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein. Ben opens with thoughts on Drake Maye's pro day and the Commanders signing a veteran receiver. Then Jori enters to share insight from years of covering Washington head coach Dan Quinn at Dallas. His creativ…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is so fired up to talk Commanders that he has two episodes coming back-to-back. In part one, Ben opens with thoughts on Jayden Daniels' pro day and an updated interpretation of how often Dan Quinn likely uses 5 or 6 defensive backs and, in turn, Jamin Davis. Then you'll hear Jim Harbaugh and Antonio Pierce from the league…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is live from the NFL owners' meeting in Orlando, which is where the Washington Commanders' top three figures spent time answering questions from local and national media members. Ben and JP Finlay (106.7 The Fan) recapped all three sessions from Adam Peters and Dan Quinn on the QB search, plans at two, and free agency to …

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking Commanders at college pro days, fact or fiction about free agency choices and more with Nicki Jhabvala. Ben opens the episode with what matters and what doesn't on the pro day circuit as Washington QB search makes stops at USC and Michigan this week, with UNC and LSU coming up. Then Nicki joins the chat. W…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about Austin Ekeler and the Commanders' free agency, and the NFL draft with college football insider Bruce Feldman (The Athletic). Ben opens the show with a rundown of Washington's 19 transactions since last week, the latest on QBs at two and a new home for Chase Young. Then, Bruce drops knowledge on Caleb…

Welcome to the Big Dance! Don't do your NCAA Tournament brackets without the insight of our resident AP Top 25 voter Dave Preston, as he shares all we need to know about March Madness inside and outside the Beltway! Plus, the WTOP Sports team shares their Final Four picks and eventual champion in both the men's and women's brackets. Also inside the…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for another eventful day as the Commanders trade QB Sam Howell to Seattle and see Kam Curl, Kendall Fuller, and Curtis Samuel sign elsewhere. Al Galdi (The Al Galdi podcast) joins the show (before the Howell/vets news) for a position-by-position breakdown of what Washington did over the opening three days of free …

The Athletic's Ben Standig is assessing the Washington Commanders' free agency haul -- 15 agreements! -- with former NFL general manager Randy Mueller and 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen. After day two of free agency, Ben and Randy (The Athletic) talked. Randy is a Frankie Luvu fan and sees the upside in Austin Ekeler. Plus, thoughts on Marcus Mariot…

The Washington Commanders opened the so-called "legal tampering" period of NFL free agency with a quantity of free agents — but what about the quality? The WTOP Sports team breaks down the reported additions one-by-one, assesses the most impactful signings and offers who Washington should target next. Also inside the D.C. Sports Huddle podcast: Our…

The Athletic's Ben Standig wraps up a busy quasi-first day of NFL free agency as the Washington Commanders agreed to terms with six free agents, including LB Frankie Luvu, C Tyler Biadish -- and a kicker. As for RB Austin Ekeler, Chargers insider Daniel Popper stops by to share his thoughts on the signing and why the doubters should tread lightly b…

The Athletic's Ben Standig and Pro Football Focus's Brad Spielberger dive into free agency ahead of next week's start. The marketplace for Kam Curl and Kendall Fuller, and do they have futures in Washington? If the Commanders spend good money on a free agent, which position and player? Free agents discussed include Bryce Huff, Christian Wilkins, Cu…

As we're sure you've heard by now, the Washington Commanders have the most available cap space in the NFL entering free agency. Who will get big bucks to wear Burgundy and Gold? And, should Washington spend big free agent dollars to improve their roster? The WTOP Sports team discusses the reality of the new ownership's approach, which Commanders fr…

The Athletic's Ben Standig discusses Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye's film reviews, Zach Ertz's signing with the Commanders, and the cost of acquiring a second first-round pick. Ben opens with thoughts on Ertz replacing Logan Thomas before welcoming back The Athletic's film analyst, Ted Ngyuen, to discuss his new article about the pros and cons of e…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here to talk at the intersection of the NFL draft and free agency with guests Nick Baumgardner (The Athletic) and Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk). Ben opens the episode with an array of post-Combine thoughts, including Drake Maye vs. Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy hype, and trading down from 2. The releases of Charles L…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is podcasting from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Topics galore. Senior NFL writer Kalyn Kahler shared insight into USC QB Caleb Williams following her investigative story for The Athletic on what the presumed No. 1 overall pick and his team seek upon entering the league and what it means for the Commanders. Be…

Thanks in part to Peter King's swan song bomb-drop, the debate over whether the Washington Commanders should trade up to the No. 1 overall pick and select local product Caleb Williams has reignited. The WTOP Sports team debates whether Washington should make the move, which quarterback is the best alternate at No. 2 and what to make of the remarks …

The Athletic's Ben Standig is in Indianapolis for this week's NFL Scouting Combine and talking about prospects with guest analyst Danny Kelly (The Ringer). Ben opens the episode with notes on Eric Bieniemy and Charles Leno before going through his initial draft of a mock draft. Thoughts on options at 2, but also the Commanders at 36, 40, and 67, an…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for an action-packed episode talking Commanders. Guests: Former NFL GM Randy Mueller, Washington Post columnist Barry Svruluga, Washington assistant coaches Brian Johnson, Ryan Kerrigan and Ken Norton Jr. Segment 1 - Ben's takeaways from Wednesday's meet-the-assistant day in Ashburn Segment 2 - Ben and Randy bante…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for an impromptu episode with Kevin Sheehan (Team 980/Kevin Sheehan podcast). The fellas, of course, discussed various Commanders' topics, including which free agents' should be re-signed, but this episode bounces around. What the failing NBA All-Star game says about viewer habits and the evolution of competition.…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking Commanders' coordinators and Washington's new situation from an analytics angle with Ben Baldwin. The usual Ben opens the episode with first impressions from the Kliff Kingsbury ("Air Raid," Caleb Williams) and Joe Whitt Jr. (football aggression, avoiding groupthink) press conferences plus other notes. The…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here to share conversations about the Commanders' new assistant GM, former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn coming to Washington, and more with Nicki Jhabvala (Washington Post) and Al Galdi. Ben and Nicki open the show with thoughts on the addition of former Lions exec Lance Newmark, new titles for Martin Mayhew and Ma…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about the Commnders' latest assistant coaching hires, Super Bowl takeaways, drafting Caleb Willams and more with Mike Smeltz (The Athletic). Ben opens the episode with thoughts on coaching changes at OL and special teams. Then Mike joins to discuss Adam Peters' path to assembling a Super Bowl roster, Patri…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about Kliff Kingsbury, Drake Maye, and the Commanders filling out their coaching staff. Ben opens with some notes before interviewing Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo (10:32). Why Phil? He and his friend, Kingsbury, run a version of the Air Raid offense. That's also the scheme Longo used at North…

The Washington Commanders introduced Dan Quinn as the 31st head coach in franchise history and the veteran leader made quite the impression on the WTOP Sports team. Listen to the highlights from Quinn's introductory press conference and hear the one takeaway that gives Rob hope of a Belichick-ian second act for DQ in D.C. Also inside the D.C. Sport…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here with colleagues David Aldridge and Cowboys insider Jon Machota to discuss new Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn, his coordinator hirings and the exit of Eric Bieniemy. Ben and David start with first impressions of Quinn at the introductory press conference. His energy (see the title of this episode), Quinn's workin…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for a rambling solo pod about the Washington Commanders hiring Dan Quinn as the team's new head coach. Numerous league sources are fans of adding the ex-Cowboys defensive coordinator, but did Josh Harris and Adam Peters settle for someone who wasn't their top choice? Thoughts on the Ben Johnson situation, possible…

The Washington Commanders are reportedly hiring Dan Quinn to fill the NFL's last head coaching vacancy of the 2024 offseason. With interviewees Raheem Morris (Atlanta) and Mike Macdonald (Seattle) elsewhere — and Bobby Slowik and perceived frontrunner Ben Johnson staying where they are — did the Burgundy and Gold settle? Or was Quinn really a top c…

The Athletic's Ben Standig sets the stage for this pivotal week as the Washington Commanders prepare to hire a new head coach (and, far down the list, attend the Senior Bowl). Ben shares the latest intel on the remaining interview schedule, whether Ben Johnson is destined to become the hire, why the Seahawks' search process adds a curious variable …

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the NFL head coaching search, Ben Johnson's options, Commanders vs. NFC East, brainiac hire or leader of men, and a little bit about the Wizards making a coaching change. Guests: Cowboys insider Jon Machota (The Athletic) and Joe House (The Ringer). Is it time to lock in Johnson or Washington's HC positio…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is still talking about the Commanders' coaching search, but this time from the film breakdown perspective with his teammate Ted Nguyen. Ted is one of the top film analysts in the game and was kind enough to share details on Lions OC Ben Johnson's offense, what makes Ravens' DC Mike Macdonald's defense formidable, and Eric…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders lining up second interviews with head-coach candidates, CEO vs play-caller, Lions OC Ben Johnson's presence, and more with the Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala. Also, thoughts on Ron Rivera's job interview with the Eagles and lessons learned from the Chiefs beyond Patrick Mahomes's awesomen…

The Athletic's Ben Standig and Mike Smeltz banter about the head coach search and thought-provoking ideas involving the Commanders. Ben opens with the latest on what he's heard about the candidates, including Ben Johnson's buzz and other options lurking. Then Mike enters for outside-the-box on Washington topics involving Caleb Williams and Dak Pres…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here to recap highlights from new GM Adam Peters' introductory press conference and chat with former Washington head coach Jay Gruden. After opening with Peters' comments on joining the franchise, the head coach search and more, Ben welcomes in Jay (11:45). They discuss playoff showcases for HC candidates Ben Johnson a…

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about Adam Peters being officially hired, the ins and outs of the coaching search carousel, and expectations for a rookie QB with Al Galdi. Ben opens the show with a breakdown of the seven head coach openings and how they relate to the Commanders. Also, Martin Mayhew's future. Then Al joins. They discuss how co…

The Athletic's Ben Standig reacts to Friday's news that the Washington Commanders have agreed to terms with 49ers' Adam Peters to become the team's new general manager. Why Peters? What next? What happens to Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney?על ידי Ben Standig

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders shrinking their football ops candidates down to two -- Adam Peters and Ian Cunningham -- and where Lions OC Ben Johnson lands. Guest: Chargers insider Daniel Popper, who is also covering an HC and FO search. Ben opens with notes on Peters, Cunningham and the process. Then Daniel joins as th…

The Athletics' Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders' starting the front-office interview process, Josh Harris' urgency, Ron Rivera and free agents to re-sign with Nicki Jhabvala from the Washington Post. Ben also shares his insight into 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters and the hierarchy of the front office candidates.…

The Washington Commanders fired Ron Rivera after a four-year tenure in which he had no winning seasons. The WTOP Sports team ranks the best and worst of the Rivera era and offers what's next for the Burgundy and Gold, including dream scenarios for a new general manager and head coach. Huddle up with WTOP Sports Director George Wallace, Senior Conte…

The Athletic' Ben Standig is joined by 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen to discuss a seismic day for the Washington Commanders. Ron Rivera is officially out as head coach after four years. Owner Josh Harris spoke on the change and the next phase, which includes former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers becoming an advisor to Harris for big-picture mat…

The Athletic's Ben Standig and Al Galdi consider Commanders head coach Ron Rivera's comments about leaving the franchise better than he arrived. The fellas compare and contrast aspects of the 2020 roster with the one a likely new coach and GM would inherit. Ben also shares a quick roster update ahead of the regular-season finale against the Cowboys…