Mystery solved: Jayden Daniels is the call

The Athletic's Ben Standig puts a bow on the Commanders' draft cycle and looks forward with roster and season-long expectations with guests Mike Smeltz (The Athletic) and Trevor Sikkema (PFF). Ben and Mike open the show (1:05) with thoughts on roster winners and losers following the draft. Using Johnny Newton with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. They also got into Cornelius Lucas, WR and CB depth, and tied in breaking Lakers' news with the importance of NFL coaching. Then Trevor enters (54:10) for thoughts on the Jayden Daniels pick, the OT scenario and whether Washington's offseason should have folks thinking about a winning record in 2024.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back talking Commanders' draft, roster -- and jersey retirements with Fred Smoot and Hall of Famer Darrell Green. Ben opens the show on draft grades and specific free-agent offensive tackle/line help available to monitor (2:20). Then Fred joins for a detailed and high-energy analysis on Jayden Daniels, how the secondary fits together and benefits from second-round pick Mike Sainristil -- and the new staff; Brandon Coleman and the LT spot (18:45). Then a chat with Washington legend Green on his learning the organization would retire his career, and a Lenny appearance.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about what the Washington Commanders pulled off over three days of the NFL draft with the Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala. Ben begins the show by talking about where he gives the Commanders high marks that has little to do with the players drafted. Then Nicki enters (30:10) for thoughts on the selections, starting with QB Jayden Daniels. Best value pick and most surprising. The offensive tackle debate: Curious or crisis? QB and CB depth chart. (They spoke before former the OT market thinned out a bit more when ex-Jet OT signed with the Eagles. The Commanders didn't show interest, per source.)

The Athletic's Ben Standig talks about Jayden Daniels and day one of the NFL draft with David Harrison (SI/Locked on Commanders). What Adam Peters had to say about why he and his staff fell for the QB. Daniels on Peters, coming to Washington happily. day Day targets and priorities. Six QBs selected in first 12 picks is bonkers.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is wrapping up the pre-draft coverage with Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen. Ben begins with a dissertation on groupthink, everyone naming Jayden Daniels as the No. 2 pick and folks unwisely dismissing J.J. McCarthy's candidacy. Then Logan enters (27:45). More on McCarthy (Logan would pick him at 2), Drake Maye, and why we'll both probably land on Daniels. Is this draft for Washington more about '24 or '25? Trading up or back at 36. Logan's TE to watch. More. Ben wraps up the episode with non-Commanders' mock draft notes (1:00.10)

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 the prism of the betting world. Do the latest odds reveal anything about the Commanders' plan? How many QBs and tackles in round one? Top 5 trades? Fate for Brock Bowers, Byron Murphy, Michael Penix, and others.

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 Rodgers, offensive tackles, and more. Trades were in play. One happened. No, not with two even before Commanders GM Adam Peters said on Thursday that Washington would use the No. 2 pick. Ben opens the show with thoughts from the press conference as Peters and assistant GM Lance Newmark talked about next week's draft and more.

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 reasons why many choose not to follow them. Think trade down with some "Trust the Process." Also, how using virtual reality helped Jayden Daniels soar at LSU and whether Minnesota trades into the top 5. Then, Greg Cosell from NFL Films shares his evaluations (42:20) of Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy and how they fit with Washington. Edge rushers (Austin Booker), offensive tackles (Patrick Paul), and tight end (Jared Wiley) were also discussed. Also, the one free-agent signing Greg loves for Washington.

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 element for quarterbacks. What matters with marrying a QB to Kliff Kingsbury's offense? Trading up for an offensive tackle. Day 2 options at Edge, OT, CB.

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 insider Matt Barrows (The Athletic) with insight into how Commanders GM Adam Peters ran point for San Francisco's draft. Takeaways from Peters' many finds, the Trey Lance miss and more.