Many are hoping the Commanders will hit a home run at No. 2, and become a playoff team next year the way the Texans did in CJ Stroud's rookie year – and while that may not happen, Brian Mitchell says that doesn't mean they're not setting up for ultimate success.
"We have seen Adam Peters and his crew and how they've worked thus far, and I've been asked if I think that the way that they worked so far in the off-season will affect how they do things in the draft – and I'm like, yeah, because what they've done now, they've gotten people on this team to where if they draft somebody in a certain position, they'll give them time to learn," BMitch said. "I think ultimately they've added enough healthy bodies that can still play to where they could set a tone, and also give the young people time to grow."
For instance, if they draft a linebacker or tight end, Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz are there to mentor them and set a culture while also still being able to produce a bit. Same with edge rushers and defensive end, where 2024 picks KJ Henry and Andre Jones can still develop behind Dorance Armstrong and company.
Well, now they can, at least, in the new regime.
"I understand at this level, once you get to year three or four, you should have ownership of what you're doing – but that first year, it'ss up to those coaches to start getting you right and getting you ready," Brian said. "You come ready to play, and they're supposed to be able to elevate you if they're good enough. Why be a coach at a professional level if you can't get nobody better than what they were when they got here? Nobody comes in here ready-made to play ball."
"I agree, but it's also such a buddy-buddy world now in pro sports; you could mess around and get some guy who was a buddy of a guy in his chemistry class who's now coaching you, that didn't even play. That's reality," Doc Walker replied. "That's why I like player-run teams that are managed by the vets; it's about me going to a younger guy and saying if you want some advice, I can help you, and if you don't, it's cool, I understand. But when they're making captains out of rookies, then I already know you guys are completely insane, and they were more worried about social and image than they are results. But hopefully, all that's behind us now."
Both Brian and Doc, ex-players, would love to see Dan Quinn return to 'destination' training camps, where players bond as they would on road trips with no other 'home-based' distractions, which they discussed in-depth as part of the conversation – listen to it all above!
