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
The Washington Commanders knew they would be busy during free agency. Indeed, they made nearly three dozen transactions in the past two weeks — hoping to fortify a roster that fell one game shy of the Super Bowl and must contend with the champion Philadelphia Eagles twice per year.
One-year deals: Of the 29 players Washington signed or traded for since free agency began on March 12, 24 are signed only for this season. As one league source said, they’re not tied to bad contracts for an extended period.
It worked last season with veterans such as linebacker Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, both of whom started every game. Wagner earned second-team All-Pro honors, and Ertz had 66 receptions and seven touchdowns.
Defensive line versatility: The Commanders cut former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen then proceeded to add to their front with players who perhaps did not have his resume, but who provide flexibility and greater depth. Washington signed four newcomers along the front — ends Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jacob Martin and tackles Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman.
They’re experienced: That foursome has combined for 384 games played and 204 starts. Washington also re-signed veteran end Clelin Ferrell and also has tackles Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton and end Dorance Armstrong in the fold.
Washington entered free agency hoping to find a left tackle. One league source said they were interested in Ronnie Stanley, but he re-signed with Baltimore before the legal tampering process began on March 10. But their quest landed them five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil in a trade with Houston.
“I can make a huge impact: a pass protector, a damn good run blocker,” Tunsil said. “I can make a huge impact quickly, honestly. They traded for me for that reason.”
Now they have a strong protector on Daniels’ blind side.
Thomas stands out as a long, physical press corner. He measured in at the combine at 6-foot-1 ½, 197 pounds with long 32 ⅜ inch arms. Those arms are about the longest of any corner in the class and they help him excel in press coverage where he can reach and get his hands on guys without having to lunge at them. Having that length enables Thomas to stay very patient at the line of scrimmage, which is a stand out feature of his game.
This play is a great example of how patient Thomas can be at the line of scrimmage. Often you’ll see young corners playing press coverage fall into the trap of lunging at receivers to try and jam them at the line of scrimmage, which often leads to them...
