Commanders' post-draft analysis: Fixing the fixer-upper

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here after a soggy day in Ashburn for the start of the Washington Commanders' OTA sessions. Takeaways include Kliff Kinsgbury's approach, Bobby Wagner's impact, Luke McCaffrey's role, and rugged running backs (1:35). Then Ben welcomes ESPN's Molly McGrath for a behind-the-scenes look at draft night from the first person to interview Jayden Daniels after his selection. Molly's fascinating insight includes observations of the QB before and after the big moment, the backstage stage scene, and what happened when the Falcons shockingly took Michael Penix Jr. (25:30).

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking rookie mini-camp and this week's Senate hearing on the RFK site plus all things Commanders with Al Galdi ("The Al Galdi podcast). Ben opens with takeaways on two days of watching Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn's comments on the QB and Washington's OT options (2:20). Then a shift to what's coming up on Capitol Hill and the coincidence with Wednesday's hearing on the RFK site and the t-shirt Quinn wore on Saturday (19:10). Then Al joins for go-with-the-flow kind of banter about the Commanders (25:22)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about the Washington Commanders with NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport and second-round rookie cornerback Mike Sainristill. After Ben opens with some brief notes, Ian joins the chat (7:10) to discuss how the league views Washington's new regime, whether draft sources saw QB Jayden Daniels closer to Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. They also talked about Adam Peters, what the tight-lipped offseason looked like from a national reporter's seat, and Ian's involvement with a group aiming to limit social media traps for younger kids. Then Ben welcomes in Sainristill, the No. 50 overall pick in last month's draft (30:45). We learn about the Michigan alum through Dane Brugler's pre-draft evaluation in "The Beast." Sainristil's first-generation upbringing in Boston, strengths (ball-tracking, leadership), weaknesses (limited size) and rookie talent show options.

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.