{"id":654022,"date":"2026-05-20T08:12:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T08:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/654022\/"},"modified":"2026-05-20T08:12:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T08:12:17","slug":"sports-illustrated-says-that-commanders-7th-round-pick-is-dangerously-close-to-getting-cut-daily-slop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/654022\/","title":{"rendered":"Sports Illustrated says that Commanders\u2019 7th round pick is \u201cdangerously close to getting cut\u201d &#8211; Daily Slop"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Editor\u2019s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts &amp; tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/48777825\/2026-nfl-season-projections-rookie-leaders-statistics-touchdowns-sacks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Projecting 2026 NFL rookie leaders in 10 stat categories<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">1. Sonny Styles, Washington Commanders: 123<br \/>2. Arvell Reese, New York Giants: 116<br \/>3. CJ Allen, Indianapolis Colts: 94<br \/>T-4. Caleb Downs, Dallas Cowboys: 82<br \/>T-4. Dillon Thieneman, Chicago Bears: 82<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Shaquille Leonard\u2019s 163 tackles in 2018 are the most by a rookie over the past decade, though he is one of only four rookies (all picked in the first two rounds) to reach 125 during the span. In fact, zero rookies reached 100 tackles in 2023 or 2024 prior to three (Carson Schwesinger, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter) hitting that total in 2025.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Styles\u2019 projection is a big one, as 122 would be sixth most among rookies over the past decade. The large number isn\u2019t by accident, as the No. 7 overall pick is expected to replace Bobby Wagner as a near-every-down player in the middle of Washington\u2019s defense. Reese (No. 5 overall) was selected before Styles, but his role (is he more of an edge or an off-ball linebacker?) is a little less clear. Considering the underwhelming state of the Colts\u2019 off-ball linebacker room, Allen has a path to a full-time role as a second-round pick.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The most tackles by a rookie safety over the past decade is 147 by Jalen Pitre in 2022. Only 12 others reached 80 during that span, with three hitting 100. First-rounders Downs and Thieneman are positioned as every-down starters in Dallas and Chicago, respectively. Both should put up solid tackle numbers in Year 1.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/draft\/onsi\/late-round-expert\/nfl-draft-picks-that-already-look-dangerously-close-to-getting-cut\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL Draft picks that already look dangerously close to getting cut<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Washington Commanders<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It was a little surprising to see the Washington Commanders select quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/draft\/onsi\/player-profiles\/athan-kaliakmanis-may-steal-a-quarterback-job-with-his-nfl-draft-rise\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">in the seventh round<\/a>. Such late-round picks are dart throws, but he feels like a known asset after making 42 college starts. Marcus Mariota is among the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL behind Jayden Daniels. Will the Commanders carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, or will Adam Peters attempt to sneak Kaliakmanis onto Washington\u2019s practice squad? He makes full-field reads with mechanics, but maintaining poise under pressure has been an issue.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/sports\/nfl\/washington-commanders\/quarterback-athan-kaliakmanis-replace-sam-hartman\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Commanders Rookie QB Athan Kaliakmanis Expected to Replace Popular Veteran<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">While Washington brings backup Marcus Mariota back for a 3rd season on a 3rd consecutive 1-year contract to play behind Daniels, they showed they don\u2019t have as much confidence in their 3rd quarterback spot, occupied by popular reserve <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/nfl\/player\/sam-hartman\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Hartman<\/a> the last 2 seasons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Commanders drafted Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis in the 7th round (No. 223 overall) of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/years\/2026\/draft.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">2026 NFL draft<\/a> \u2014 a move that seems to show they\u2019re keen to move on from Hartman.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cJayden Daniels is the runaway No. 1 QB, Marcus Mariota the clear No. 2,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/draft2026\/story\/_\/id\/48742531\/2026-nfl-rookie-quarterbacks-team-fits-projections-draft#late\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">ESPN\u2019s John Keim wrote<\/a>. \u201cKaliakmanis enters after that, as he must unseat Sam Hartman for the No. 3 job. Hartman struggled last preseason, and Washington clearly views Kaliakmanis as someone who can win the job. He is also a good fit in new coordinator David Blough\u2019s play-action system. The question is whether Kaliakmanis is able to develop into a No. 2 option, but we\u2019ll have to wait a couple years to answer that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Commanders essentially showed they have zero faith in Hartman at the end of the 2025 regular season when, having already been eliminated from the playoffs, they decided to bring in journeyman quarterback <a href=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/nfl\/player\/josh-johnson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Josh Johnson<\/a> to start 2 games late in the season with both Daniels and Mariota out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">If Hartman didn\u2019t know the Commanders\u2019 offensive system after 2 years playing there, there\u2019s some question as to why they would even be keeping him on the practice squad, where he\u2019s been parked most of the last 2 seasons.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commanders.com\/news\/athan-kaliakmanis-culture-washington-commanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Washington is the right culture fit for Athan Kaliakmanis<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kaliakmanis is joining the Commanders\u2019 roster with no mystery about his role. Jayden Daniels is the undisputed starter on the team, and Marcus Mariota is the primary backup. Kaliakmanis is here to compete for the third spot on the depth chart &#8212; a role that will require him to play few, if any, reps in the best circumstances. If he wins that job from incumbent Sam Hartman, he will learn the offense and focus on his development to possibly compete for the primary backup role in the near future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kaliakmanis isn\u2019t shying away from that. It\u2019s actually what excites him the most that he can learn from the \u201cgreatness\u201d he said exists in the Commanders\u2019 quarterback room.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThese are great QBs with historic stats,\u201d Kaliakmanis said. \u201cAll three of them have historic stats. I\u2019m excited to learn from them. I\u2019m excited to come in and compete but learn; take as much as I possibly can from each one of them. They\u2019ve done great things in their careers, and one day, I hope to do what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">And when it comes to what he can bring to the room in the immediate future, it\u2019s a lot of what already exists: competitiveness, a good work ethic and his intelligence.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cI feel like I\u2019m getting smarter as a football player,\u201d Kaliakmanis said. \u201cIf they have questions or if I have questions, we\u2019re just gonna work together as a team, and we\u2019re gonna help each other get better.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7289464\/2026\/05\/19\/drew-stevens-washington-commanders-iowa-kicker\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">UDFA kicker Drew Stevens could be one to watch<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It\u2019s been seven years since the Washington Commanders had one kicker for a full season who finished above the league average in field goal percentage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In the span since Dustin Hopkins made 83.3 percent of his field goal attempts in 2019, Washington\u2019s NFL team has rebranded twice, changed its uniforms at least three times, started nearly a dozen quarterbacks, hired two head coaches, had a change in ownership and broken ground on a new stadium in D.C. And yet, the franchise is still searching for that consistent specialist to spell the offense and do what so many kickers now do routinely: hit 50-plus-yard field goals with consistency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kicker Drew Stevens, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound undrafted rookie out of Iowa, signed with Washington after the draft and will compete with incumbent Jake Moody for a spot on the initial 53-man roster. The team re-signed Moody to a one-year deal in March after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6815750\/2025\/11\/17\/commanders-cut-kicker-matt-gay-sign-jake-moody-bears\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">acquiring him<\/a> during the season amid issues with former kicker Matt Gay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Kicker is one of multiple jobs up for grabs in Washington, but it could be one of the most impactful \u2014 for better or worse.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">At a time when special teams are significantly influencing the outcomes of games, and when kickers are proving their value well beyond routine 33-yard extra-point attempts, Washington\u2019s shortcomings at the position have been costly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The value of the 40-yard kick, a specialty of Hopkins\u2019 in his seven seasons in Washington, has diminished. Kickers are bigger, stronger and arriving at the pro level with more specialized training.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Stevens will be No. 9 on the Commanders\u2019 list of recent kickers, but he has a resume that fits what Washington has been searching for at the position.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Athletic\u2019s Dane Brugler ranked Stevens as the third-best kicker in the Class of 2026 with the projection he could go in the seventh round of the draft.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">A former high school soccer player, Stevens set or equaled school records at Iowa for the most made field goals (76), 50-plus-yard field goals (12) and longest field goal (58 yards) and was one of three kickers invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In his four seasons of kicking at Iowa, he connected on 80.0 percent of his field goal attempts (76 of 95) and missed only two of 126 extra-point attempts.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wusa9.com\/article\/sports\/nfl\/washington-commanders\/washington-commanders-2026-preseason-joint-practices-dolphins-ravens-dates\/65-c7e72ea2-15e1-495a-bd6c-d64b6e2d3bf3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Commanders 2026 joint practices: Miami and Baltimore dates locked in<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Washington Commanders attempted in 2025 to host a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens, but the two teams ultimately canceled it, with head coach Dan Quinn citing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wusa9.com\/article\/sports\/nfl\/washington-commanders\/washington-commanders-2026-nfl-schedule-full-list-primetime-games\/65-70d89593-ac4b-48e8-9297-01e5157812e9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">scheduling<\/a> conflicts as one of the drivers behind the decision. This preseason, the two geographical neighbors will take another run at it (this time at the Ravens\u2019 home), while the Burgundy and Gold will also play host to one day of joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Dolphins Coming to Ashburn: The Commanders are locking in a one-day joint practice session with the Miami Dolphins at Commanders Park on August 12 ahead of their preseason Week 1 matchup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Breaking the Drought: This represents the first time the franchise has hosted a visiting NFL team for a joint practice session since 2018.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Baltimore Locked In, Detroit Out: The Ravens officially announced a road joint practice with Washington for August 26 in Owings Mills, while logistical constraints have completely ruled out a Week 2 session with the Detroit Lions.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/jpfinlay.substack.com\/p\/commanders-schedule-has-early-trouble?r=8ta70&amp;utm_medium=ios&amp;triedRedirect=true\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Commanders schedule has early trouble but opportunities later<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Hard Open &#8211; Starting the 2026 NFL season with back-to-back division games on the road presents a difficult task for Washington. Following that up with a home opener against the freaking Super Bowl champs makes it among the hardest opening stretch in football. Seriously: @ Philly, @ Dallas, home against Seattle. The Commanders will likely be underdogs in all three contests, and after that get \u201crewarded\u201d with a home game in London. Seattle at home does present an immediate chance for Washington to show improvement from last season. As much as the Commanders got blown out in 2025, no game was as lopsided as the home loss to the Seahawks. It was 31-7 at halftime and Jayden Daniels got hurt late in that game. Remember the whole \u201cDan Quinn was going to take Jayden out and then he got hurt\u201d storyline? Week 3. It\u2019s back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Wood chopping season &#8211; From Week 10 to 13 the Commanders don\u2019t face a single playoff team from last season. Three of those four teams had worse records than the Commanders last year (NYG, Arizona and Tennessee). Granted, Washington also missed the playoffs last year, but if the Commanders can get through the first nine weeks of the year hovering close to .500 then real opportunities open up to rip off a 3 or 4-game win streak.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wtop.com\/sports-columns\/2026\/05\/rest-easy-commanders-fans-2026-schedule-is-a-gift-within-the-nfls-misplaced-priorities\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rest easy, Commanders fans \u2014 2026 schedule is a gift within the NFL\u2019s misplaced priorities<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">[A]nalysis shows there are structural advantages baked into Washington\u2019s calendar \u2014 and they come with an uncomfortable asterisk.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/betting\/nfl-schedule-rest-disparity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">According to NFL analyst Warren Sharp\u2019s annual rest disparity analysis<\/a>, Washington enters 2026 with more than nine days of net rest over its opponents \u2014 meaning across 17 games, the Commanders will enjoy substantially more rest than their opponents on a cumulative basis. That figure ranks fourth in the entire league, alongside Dallas, Buffalo and Chicago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cIn four of the last five seasons prior to this year, they have had negative net rest handed to them by the NFL,\u201d Sharp told WTOP. \u201cSo to get not just positive net rest, but plus nine days of net rest should stand out.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Furthermore, the Commanders will face zero opponents off a bye week, have only one short-week road game and a Week 7 bye placed near the midpoint of the schedule. Sharp noted that Washington\u2019s one rest-disadvantage game is almost an advantage itself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThey only have one game where they play at a rest disadvantage all year, and it\u2019s only a one-day rest disadvantage that happens to come Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, the worst team in the NFL this year,\u201d Sharp said. \u201cSo if there\u2019s ever a period where you want to be playing with a rest disadvantage, it\u2019s against the worst team in the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">And when Washington has had that rest edge, it\u2019s shown up in the results. According to Sharp, the Commanders over the last two seasons are 4-2 straight up in games where they\u2019ve had a rest advantage \u2014 and 3-4 when they haven\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/atozsports.com\/nfl\/washington-commanders-news\/commanders-2026-schedule-4-positives\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">4 things the NFL nailed on the Commanders\u2019 2026 schedule: The league clearly still believes in Jayden Daniels and Co.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Commanders are once again on track to get a good chunk of the spotlight<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">You can\u2019t complain about the lack of spotlight when it comes to the Commanders\u2019 2026 schedule, that\u2019s for sure!<br \/>Right now, the team has eight games that are considered either primetime, standalone, or 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs: Eagles, Cowboys, Colts, 49ers (MNF), Eagles (SNF), Giants (TNF), Bengals (MNF), and Cardinals.<br \/>That\u2019s nearly half the schedule and more could be added down the line considering the final three games are TBD. It looks as if the league is giving the team a pass for last year\u2019s disaster and believes it can get back to the 2024 version that captured the NFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Monday Night Football after TNF<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The NFL did the Commanders a big favor by giving them a Monday night game after their TNF matchup. The days in-between games after Thursday night are already considered a \u201cmini-bye\u201d, so getting that extra day is pretty clutch.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commanders.com\/photos\/latest-photos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PHOTOS | 2026 rookie minicamp<\/a><\/p>\n<p>My Conversation with @Eric_Edholm<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_1eezmj01\" href=\"https:\/\/platform.hogshaven.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2026\/05\/temp-becton-BGN.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100\" data-pswp-height=\"820\" data-pswp-width=\"975\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\"><img alt=\"\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"w91vxg0\" style=\"position:absolute;height:100%;width:100%;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;color:transparent;background-size:cover;background-position:50% 50%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(&quot;data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' %3E%3Cfilter id='b' color-interpolation-filters='sRGB'%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix values='1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 100 -1' result='s'\/%3E%3CfeFlood x='0' y='0' width='100%25' height='100%25'\/%3E%3CfeComposite operator='out' in='s'\/%3E%3CfeComposite in2='SourceGraphic'\/%3E%3CfeGaussianBlur stdDeviation='20'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Cimage width='100%25' height='100%25' x='0' y='0' preserveAspectRatio='none' style='filter: url(%23b);' href='data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8+R8AAtcB6oaHtZcAAAAASUVORK5CYII='\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E&quot;)\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/temp-becton-BGN.jpg\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Josh Downs is not a pure vertical receiver, he is a chain-mover and leverage winner. His 2025 line was 58 catches for 566 yards and four touchdowns, but the important number is 36 first downs on those 58 catches, a 62.1% first-down rate. In 2024, when his role was bigger, he posted career highs with 72 catches, 803 yards and five touchdowns. Over three NFL seasons, he has 198 catches for 2,140 yards and 11 touchdowns. The deeper numbers show why Josh is a difficult matchup for a rookie nickel. He had an 18% target share, a 66% catch rate and a 8.4 yard average depth of target in 2025. That profile says the Colts use him in the underneath and intermediate areas where separation is created by timing, stems, leverage and quarterback trust rather than raw speed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Caleb\u2019s case is built on a different kind of evidence. At Ohio State in 2025, he produced 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions in 14 games. He allowed a 53.4 passer rating when targeted, surrendered 25 receptions in coverage and recorded two interceptions. That is the profile of a defensive back who does not need gaudy interception totals to control space.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">If the standard is impact per target, Caleb should be favored. Josh\u2019s 2025 usage was efficient but not explosive at 9.8 yards per catch and only four 20-plus-yard receptions. Caleb\u2019s best traits are route recognition, physical tackling, zone awareness and versatility. He\u2019s built to squeeze short-area windows, force throws underneath and prevent catch-and-run damage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The decisive stat is first-down prevention. Josh converted over 60% of his 2025 receptions into first downs, so Caleb\u2019s job is not merely to hold him under 60 yards. It is to make catches harmless. If Josh catches six passes but only two move the chains and none gain 20 yards, Caleb wins. If Josh catches five passes, converts three or four first downs and scores in the red zone, Josh wins. That is the real battle, not receptions, but leverage snaps.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The verdict then? Caleb Downs should win the individual matchup, narrowly, because his profile is almost purpose-built for this assignment. He has the size advantage, the coverage production, the tackling r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and the versatility Dallas wants in the nickel. Josh has the experience and route craft to steal reps, especially early, but the deeper data points toward Caleb limiting explosive damage and forcing the Colts to win elsewhere. Expect Josh to get catches, expect Caleb to win the battle.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloggingtheboys.com\/dallas-cowboys-roster\/205601\/defense-nose-tackle-otito-ognonnia-scouting-report\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Cowboys quiet new defensive anchor<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">[O]ne acquisition that remains largely undiscussed is free agent defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia. Today, we\u2019ll take a closer look at the big fella and get a better sense of what the Cowboys have in their latest man in the middle acquisition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In 2024, he looked like a legit force [for the Chargers]. He was finally healthy, starting all 17 games and logging 37 tackles. He effectively transformed from a developmental depth piece into a certified fixture along the interior of the defensive line. It wasn\u2019t a large sample, but it was enough for the Cowboys to be interested in him, signing the 25-year-old to a one-year $2.75 million deal in March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Here\u2019s some fun little trivia. Ogbonnia played alongside Osa Odighizuwa for three seasons at UCLA. Ogbonnia was signed on March 10th, and Odighizuwa was traded to the 49ers on March 11th. On paper, these two former Westwood walls were teammates again for one day. Ironically, it was a change in defensive scheme that made the Cowboys go from one double-O to another.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">He\u2019s an unselfish nose tackle anchor to absorb punishment in the middle. By taking on those grueling interior double teams, Ogbonnia essentially acts as a human shield for the linebackers behind him. This setup ensures the second-level defenders stay clean, allowing them to fly downhill and make plays without an offensive guard climbing up and getting in their grill.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Furthermore, he is perfect for the gap-and-a-half technique that Parker relies on. Ogbonnia uses his raw power to control the primary A-gap, striking the center with enough force to halt any forward momentum. He keeps his eyes in the backfield to track the ball. Once the running back commits, Ogbonnia uses his strength to shed his blocker and choke out the play. It is a highly disciplined style of play that requires patience and brute strength, two traits he has mastered.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">His role in the [Cowboys] defense<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Looking at the blueprint for the upcoming season, his projected role on this defense is well-defined. He is going to be a classic two-down player, acting as an early-down run-stopping specialist who leaves the field when it is time to rush the passer. You should not expect him to light up the stat sheet with flashy sacks, forced fumbles, or, quite honestly, any type of splashy play except the occasional running back takedown at the line of scrimmage. Instead, he provides a solid floor for their third DT piece and allows the coaching staff to get Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark some occasional rest, keeping the entire defensive line fresh and energized down the stretch.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Ultimately, this signing represents a sound piece of roster building by the Cowboys. While everyone loves the flashy trades and higher-priced signings, Ogbonnia provides low-cost muscle and grit required to keep opposing teams in third-and-long situations. He brings the exact type of unselfish, tone-setting physicality that great defenses need. Cowboys fans should be excited to watch this absolute unit clog up the trenches and bring some old-school toughness back to the defensive interior.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigblueview.com\/new-york-giants-analysis\/162220\/8-storylines-as-the-ny-giants-begin-first-otas-with-john-harbaugh-as-head-coach\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">8 storylines as the NY Giants begin first OTAs with John Harbaugh as head coach<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">With Brian Burns, 2026 No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter, 2022 No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, and 2026 No. 5 overall pick Arvell Reese the Giants have an embarrassment of riches as potential stand-up pass rushers. How will Wilson deploy them? It is unlikely we will see everything Wilson has in mind this spring, but we will get an idea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Opportunity at wide receiver<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">No. 1 wide receiver Malik Nabers is not expected to practice until at least late in training camp as he continues an arduous recovery from a pair of surgeries for a torn ACL. Veteran Darius Slayton will not participate in spring workouts as he recovers from core muscle surgery.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That means we will get a good look at newly-signed veteran wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin over the next few weeks. Rookie Malachi Fields, too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It also means there will be plenty of opportunity for players competing for the final one or two spots on the depth chart to show what they can do.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">That group includes Dalen Cambre, Beaux Collins, Xavier Gipson, Ryan Miller, Isaiah Hodgins, and \u2014 yes \u2014 Jalin Hyatt. Can one or more of those players take advantage of the extra reps?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigblueview.com\/new-york-giants-schedule\/162094\/grading-the-washington-commanders-offseason-did-washington-get-better\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grading the Washington Commanders offseason: Did Washington get better?<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Overall, it\u2019s easy to see what Dan Quinn is attempting to do \u2013 get younger and faster on defense while adding explosive weapons on offense. There\u2019s still a void in overall proven talent on offense, although Williams may be a diamond in the rough. Okonkwo will provide a different level of athletic ability than Ertz did, and perhaps Ben Sinnott will take a year three jump.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">I was a massive Sonny Styles fan and believe he is the perfect piece for Quinn. Still, the overall personnel of Washington remains a question mark. Much of their 2026 success is contingent on Daniels\u2019 health and development. A step from Josh Conerly Jr. on the offensive line may really assist the stability of the offense under new coordinator David Blough. I understand the vision, but remain skeptical of how it translates and if there\u2019s enough skill around Daniels that can allow him to unlock his potential. At the very least, though, the defense should be much improved.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/frontofficesports.com\/nfl-tempting-fate-open-armed-embrace-streamers\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL \u2018Tempting Fate\u2019 With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">[S]ports media executives like John Skipper are sounding the alarm that the league could \u201ckill the golden goose\u201d when it comes to its broadcast partners.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">As the industry knows full well, the NFL wants to opt out early from its $111 billion, 11-year deals with CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video, which were signed in 2021. The league is seeking increases of roughly 50% or more from media partners. The talks have already started with CBS Sports, which could see its annual payout rise to more than $3 billion a year from the current $2.1 billion for its Sunday afternoon game package.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Yes, the NFL believes its rights are undervalued. Yes, legacy broadcast networks <a href=\"https:\/\/frontofficesports.com\/cbs-should-welcome-nfl-renegotiations\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">should kiss Commissioner Roger Goodell\u2019s ring<\/a> to ensure their futures at a time when scripted Hollywood dramas, sitcoms, and reality TV shows are falling by the wayside.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">But Skipper, the former president of ESPN, is raising eyebrows by warning that the NFL is getting too greedy. In the future, only the tech giants will be able to afford $4 billion to $5 billion media deals, he warns. By playing hardball with legacy media partners like Fox Corp., Goodell\u2019s league could price them right out of the football business.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">[W]hat happens when leverage flips the other way? Tech giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple don\u2019t have to have the NFL to survive. They could walk away from the table if the prices get too high. That gives them leverage. Especially if the legacy bidders are financial non-factors. As Skipper learned the hard way at ESPN, these trillion-dollar tech giants can be brutal negotiators. If Goodell doesn\u2019t know it yet, his successor will find out in a hurry. The NFL is \u201ctempting fate\u201d by playing legacy media partners off streamers, according to Skipper.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThe next Commissioner is going to deal with the fact that these big tech companies have more leverage over you\u2013and they don\u2019t need your product as much as the traditional broadcasters do,\u201d the Meadowlark Media co-founder said. \u201cThe NFL is at this position right now because these traditional media companies cannot exist without an NFL package. If the delta gets to be billions of dollars, they will have to decide to exist without it. They\u2019ll decline faster. Cable TV will decline faster. And the only people who will be able to afford the NFL\u2019s packages will be great, big, trillion dollar market cap companies. But they are also tough, mean companies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It\u2019s in the NFL\u2019s interest to keep struggling legacy partners alive for more reasons than one. It gives the league more bidders for a limited inventory. Keeping a high percentage of games on free, over-the-air television should help keep critics like FCC chairman <a href=\"https:\/\/frontofficesports.com\/nfl-faces-antitrust-threat-from-fcc-chair-over-streaming-push\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brendan Carr<\/a> at bay. Don\u2019t forget, the league now owns 10% of Disney\u2019s ESPN. It also holds an equity stake in CBS following Skydance Media\u2019s acquisition of Paramount Global, the network\u2019s parent company. So the NFL has a bottom-line financial interest in keeping some of its legacy partners afloat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The NFL is eyeing a late-spring or early-summer 2027 launch for its two professional flag football leagues \u2014 one for men and one for women \u2014 Peter O\u2019Reilly, executive vice president of club business, international and league events, said during a Monday interview on the \u201cUp &amp; Adams\u201d show.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cWe\u2019re in the lab, if you will, of really building what that league\u2019s going to be like,\u201d O\u2019Reilly told host Kay Adams. \u201cThinking about what\u2019s the structure of it, where are we playing games, how does it roll out? Incredibly exciting to be having conversations with the athletes who are going to play in this league, who maybe dreamed one day there might be a professional flag league, and now we\u2019re saying, \u2018This is real.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">\u201cThere\u2019s going to be a combine for this pro flag league. There\u2019s going to be a draft. There\u2019s going to be an opportunity to play this sport at the highest level, and it\u2019s going to be awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In March, the NFL announced the selection of TMRW Sports as its developmental and operational partner in launching professional flag football. TMRW Sports has made a name for itself through the development and launch of the primetime golf league TGL, which capped its inaugural season in March and was seen as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6239526\/2025\/03\/29\/tgl-ratings-march-madness-the-pulse\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">general success ratings-wise<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Flag football is becoming more established at the high school and college levels across the country. The National Federation of State High School Associations says the sport is offered at the high school level in 39 states: 17 have it as a sanctioned sport, while 22 are pilot programs. In April, eight teams participated in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7196383\/2026\/04\/16\/college-womens-flag-football-tournament-ncaa\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">first college women\u2019s flag football tournament<\/a>, which signaled the latest step toward the sport being recognized by the NCAA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">O\u2019Reilly described the future of flag football as \u201climitless.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Editor\u2019s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts &amp; tweets from around the web&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":654023,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[63],"tags":[217830,349,45949,99,240747,15981],"class_list":["post-654022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-daily-slop","tag-nfl","tag-open-threads","tag-sports","tag-washington-commanders-discussion","tag-washington-commanders-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/654022","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=654022"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/654022\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/654023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=654022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=654022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=654022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}