Hogs Haven
A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff
This is now a big priority.
The gifted wide receiver became a shining light amid the chaos under previous regimes. McLaurin remained professional while others let their frustrations build and, in some cases, left when the first opportunity arrived. He was also highly productive as all around him crumbled.
McLaurin stuck around and was eventually vindicated for his loyalty. The Commanders are on a completely different path now. They have an ambitious owner, a masterful roster builder, and an experienced head coach. They also happen to have a franchise quarterback for the first time since the wideout was drafted.
Peters has already signaled his intent to make McLaurin another extension offer ahead of time. He’s got one more year on his deal, but this still represents a sound investment. Now that other priorities have diminished slightly, there is no better time than to reward the undisputed locker room leader for his sterling commitment.
McLaurin wants to stay. He loves the fanbase and cares deeply about the organization. He’s everything one looks for in a franchise cornerstone, so complications should be minimal during negotiations.
Depending on the deal, McLaurin has the scope to be a Washington football lifer when it’s all said and done.
Keeping an eye on the Eagles’ NFC East rivals.
Kain Medrano looks and moves like a safety at 6’2” and 220 pounds. He is a truly excellent athlete at that size and it shows up the way he moves downhill and sideline to sideline. Considering Washington is looking to add speed to their rebuilding defense, this selection already makes sense.
Medrano thrived in coverage at UCLA but really, really struggled as a tackler. Size and technique worked against him as an in-the-box run defender. He missed over 20% of attempted tackles during his career, which is a shocking number.
As a late round flier, the Medrano pick is smart. He could potentially move to safety or be a Big Nickel defender for Dan Quinn. No matter what, he will need to improve his tackling if he wants to get on the field at all.
He originally committed to UCLA as a wide receiver.
Medrano chose UCLA over Colorado State and Wyoming expecting to be a wide receiver. After all, that’s where he had the most impact at the high school level and was one of the better wideout prospects in the country.
Medrano saw little action as a freshman and only played in the 2019 season finale. That’s when then-head coach Chip Kelly presented him...
