Nick Cross is one of Logan Paulsen’s “top 5 campers” - Daily Slop

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Commanders linksArticlesCommanders.com

Who are Logan Paulsen’s top 5 campers?Here are some of his top players who got him excited for training camp in July.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Nick Cross

class="wp-block-paragraph">He is built like an action figure, but it’s not the look that gets me excited. It’s the physical, downhill play that he brings to this thing. He can play in the box. He can play in the post. He can blitz. He can affect the quarterback. He runs a 4.3. You see him work as a pass rusher there. I think the flexibility he brings to this defense is gonna unlock everybody. So, I wanna see that, live and in living color. Can he be the leader of this defense in the back end? That’s why he’s No. 3 for me.

The Athletic (paywall)

2027 NFL Draft in Washington DC should be loaded with talentAlthough plenty could change over the next 10 months, the 2027 draft has a chance to be the most anticipated in recent memory because of the star power of the class.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Like most drafts, the 2027 group will be largely judged by the quarterbacks. Texas’ Arch Manning is at the top of the list, and if he picks up where he left off last season, he has a great chance to follow in the footsteps of his uncles, Peyton and Eli, and be drafted No. 1. Dante Moore would punch his ticket for the first round with another productive year at Oregon, and scouts are optimistic for the developmental paths of South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, Miami’s Darian Mensah and several others.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The class will also likely include former Cincinnati and Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, barring any successful legal action after the NFL declined his application and chose not to hold a supplemental draft in 2026.

Commanders Roundtable

Does Van Jefferson have what it takes to make the 53-man roster?His 2025 numbers with Tennessee were modest — 29 receptions for 350 yards and one touchdown on a 57% catch rate, with a 59.1 overall PFF grade that ranked 71st among 81 qualified receivers. The 12.1 yards per reception and zero drops across 16 games tell you the efficiency was there when the ball came his way. His 12.6-yard average depth of target reflects a receiver who was being asked to work downfield, not just catch check-downs. His peak — 802 receiving yards in 2021 with the Rams — shows the ceiling when he’s in the right system with the right quarterback.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Can He Make the Roster?

class="wp-block-paragraph">Honestly, it’s going to be a fight. Washington’s receiver room is the deepest it’s been in years, and the competition heading into training camp is pretty tight across the board. McLaurin, Williams, and Brown are locks. Burks, McCaffrey, and Lane are strong bets. That leaves Jefferson competing for the sixth or 7th spot on the depth chart against younger, cheaper options. Special teams value is going to matter. Jefferson has never been a core special teamer in his career, which makes his path harder in a roster crunch.

class="wp-block-paragraph">What works in his favor is the Quinn factor. Dan Quinn specifically called out Jefferson as a standout this offseason — noting his professionalism and the way he’s handled the competition in the receiver room during OTAs and minicamp. Quinn’s background values veteran presence and leadership in a receiver room, and Jefferson brings both. The forearm injury that ended his 2025 season early appears fully healed, and by all accounts, he showed up to Ashburn in the best shape of his career.

A to Z Sports

The Commanders need more firepower on offenseI don’t think Brandon Aiyuk is the answer (Stefon Diggs could very well be, though).

class="wp-block-paragraph">This is something the team will have to prioritize in 2027, sans any kind of unexpected breakout from names like Treylon Burks, Ben Sinnott, Luke McCaffrey, etc. McLaurin is only getting older each year and he can’t be expected to remain a top-tier playmaker for too much longer.

Riggo’s Rag

Commanders’ improvements might be as simple as Terry McLaurin’s engagementThings are noticeably different this time around. Not just for McLaurin, but for everyone on the squad.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The intensity was high. Head coach Dan Quinn raised the urgency in practices, and the established leaders led from the front. Everyone followed, and the atmosphere across the franchise has completely changed. Complacency has been replaced by supreme resolve and obvious intent. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.

class="wp-block-paragraph">NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo is among those who saw something different in McLaurin. After speaking with the wideout, he got the sense that not being out front to help the team build on their remarkable NFC Championship run was frustrating. That’s what he prides himself on above all else, which was hard to do when he was taking care of his own business.

Commanders Wire

Commanders’ Sonny Styles embracing Dan Quinn’s BMF attitudeUnder Dan Quinn, Styles is embracing his BMF attitude.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“We talk a lot about this identity of BMF: Bad M-F’er,” Styles told CBS Sports. “And I kind of like it. It’s like this mindset of, ‘I’m unstoppable,’ basically. I’ve never really had that approach of like, ‘This is our identity of the team.’ You always hear, like, ‘Hard work,’ all these different things. … So, I kind of like that approach. I mean, it’s the way you got to play the game, especially for my position.

Elite speed performance coach @les7spellman posted the following video on his IG today. #Commanders LB @sonnystyles_ is putting in work before Year 1 😤

🎥: les7spellman on IG | #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/TAuZiHua5x

— SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) June 25, 2026“It’s a violent game, so if you don’t have that mindset, it’s probably not gonna be a good day for you. That’s something I’m starting to learn from Coach Quinn.”

Heavy.com

Who is T.J. Maguranyanga?[T.J. Maguranyanga is a] 6-foot-4, 222-pound edge rusher and former French rugby union star whom Riggo’s Rag’s Dean Jones singled out as the “underdog nobody saw coming” after a standout performance in OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

“Head coach Dan Quinn singled out one surprising figure who stood out over Washington’s offseason program,” Jones wrote on June 24. “And even though versatile defensive weapon T.J. Maguranyanga’s chances of making the roster remain slim, getting noticed is an achievement in itself … improvements have been made from the former French rugby union star turned NFL pro. He’s young enough to keep growing, and considering he had no experience before a 10-week International Player Pathway training camp early last year, the trajectory is pointing up.”

He’s still only 23 years old, which is younger than many players selected in the 2026 NFL draft.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Maguranyanga, born and raised in Zimbabwe, was a rugby superstar coming up in his home country, representing his nation in junior international competitions for the 1st time at just 13 years old.

“He’s got the versatility to play as a stand-up 3-4 outside linebacker or a 3-4 defensive end,” Jones wrote. “Maguranyanga can operate as a 4-3 defensive end or even a 3-technique on the interior. Couple this with the dynamism he could bring as a special-teams force, don’t count him out just yet.”

Pro Football Talk

Brandon Aiyuk says he hasn’t had an agent since November 2025Aiyuk not thinking he has an agent would explain his failure to follow his agent’s advice. Surely, Williams has not advised him to handle the situation the way he has.

class="wp-block-paragraph">As explained earlier, Aiyuk (who is on the reserve/left squad list) must petition the league for reinstatement. Once reinstated, he needs to show up for training camp. At that point, the 49ers would likely cut him.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Until he is reinstated and shows up, the 49ers have no reason to do anything.

class="wp-block-paragraph">And if Aiyuk isn’t getting advice from an agent in that regard, someone in his orbit needs to tell him that his pathway to free agency is that simple. One, petition for reinstatement. Two, show up.

Brandon Aiyuk says he terminated his agent last November and currently doesn’t have one (though NFLPA official records do not reflect that change).

This would help explain the lack of good advice regarding his recent IG behavior. https://t.co/TlfHtbgiSbpic.twitter.com/4QoJPlEipE

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 26, 2026A three video day!

Brandon Aiyuk is the most prolific director since Alfred Hitchcock. pic.twitter.com/cyJKD3OD88

— Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) June 26, 2026The NFLPA’s public database still lists Ryan Williams as Brandon Aiyuk’s agent. Verbal termination is one thing. Aiyuk has yet to file the paperwork to make it official, despite what he suggested on IG.

— Noah Furtado (@_noahfurtado) June 26, 2026PhotosCommanders.com

PHOTOS | Commanders Minicamp 1View Link

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class="embed-embed">View LinkPodcasts & videosCHEMISTRY: Terry McLaurin, Chig Okonkwo Fit David Blough’s Commanders OffenseNFLPA’s JC Tretter Talks 18-Game Season, Sorsby & More | Full Interview | The Rich Eisen ShowNFC East linksBlogging the Boys

Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: QB Sam HowellWho is QB2 right now in your mind?

Contract StatusYears Left: 1 2026 Cap Hit: $2.5 million

class="wp-block-paragraph">The most important detail in Howell’s contract is that it’s fully guaranteed. While $2.5 million isn’t too much for the Cowboys to eat, shoud they choose to, it does speak to their confidence in Howell making the roster this season.

2026 ProjectionsRole: Backup QB Roster Chance: 80%

class="wp-block-paragraph">Howell’s 18 career starts, and none of them since 2023, aren’t exactly a wealth of experience. But considering they’re 18 more than Joe Milton’s had, that experience feels like the entire reason Howell is here and got the guaranteed money. Even if Milton has a sensational camp and wins the backup job, Howell brings something that will help Dak Prescott prepare for games and elevate practices.

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">It’s interesting that his last stop was Philadelphia, where he spent practices throwing against Christian Parker’s secondary. We don’t know if Dallas’ new defensive coordinator had a hand in signing Howell, but you’d assume they at least asked his opinion. The Cowboys, including Brian Schottenheimer, certainly knew him from [Howell’s] time in Washington as well.

Big Blue View

NFC East Grades: Where do the NY Giants stack up at linebacker?New York Giants

class="wp-block-paragraph">Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, Micah McFadden, Darius Muasau, Jack Kelly, Zaire Barnes, Cam Jones

class="wp-block-paragraph">I went back and forth between the Giants and Commanders – it could have gone either way. However, three points for New York are still a beam of light in the dark abyss that has been the New York Giants’ linebacker room. The veteran addition of Tremaine Edmunds, along with the selection of Arvell Reese – and the decision to play him at linebacker – makes this a strong room with a lot of versatility, length, and upside.

class="wp-block-paragraph">I also love that the Giants brought back McFadden on a one-year prove-it deal. McFadden has developed throughout his career, but a Week 1 injury cut his contract year short. He is a reliable option to play if something happens to Edmunds or Reese, leaving Mausau as a special teamer. I won’t rule sixth-round pick Jack Kelly out to possibly see defensive snaps as the season progresses. The Giants have a solid linebacking corps, and they could have easily earned four points here.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Points: 3

class="wp-block-paragraph">Washington Commanders

class="wp-block-paragraph">Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, Frankie Luvu, Jordan Magee, Nick Bellore, Kain Medrano, Ale Kaho

class="wp-block-paragraph">Washington gets four points, and I expect Dan Quinn to use these linebackers well. The Commanders moved on from veterans like Bobby Wagner and brought in youth, selecting Styles in the top 10 and signing the 25-year-old Chenal. Chenal is a versatile linebacker who does well coming forward toward the line of scrimmage; he will be impactful as a blitzer, similar to Frankie Luvu, who is still on the roster as a third linebacker, with some edge ability.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Styles, Chenal, and Luvu are a solid trio of linebackers, with Jordan Magee as a young fourth option; Magee is a quick, undersized linebacker who recorded 21 STOPs last season with solid tape. Overall, the Commanders barely get the nod over the Giants and Eagles here, but they receive the four points.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Points: 4

Big Blue View

Greg Olsen picks the NY Giants to surprise with 10 winsFox analyst Greg Olsen said recently on Colin Cowherd’s podcast that the Giants are his sleeper team this year. Olsen believes that the Giants are primed to take the NFL — or at least the NFL media — by surprise and come away with a 10-win season.

I think you look back on last year’s team the way they lost some of those games, the endings to the games, the management, the bad breaks we talked earlier on.

How do you have a magical run?

There is an element of luck. There is an element of certain games just bouncing your way.

And some years, it seems like you get all the breaks and you win all the close games. And then other years, no matter what you do, no matter how much you study game management and time out usage, you just can’t find a way to finish a game.

It felt like that was the case with the Giants last year.

class="wp-block-paragraph">And of course, they had a ton of their young offensive talent get injured. They got to keep Jaxson Dart healthy, figure out how to run him and not [get hurt] so that’s going to be something they’ll monitor. I love their draft, I love the pieces that they added.

class="wp-block-paragraph">I think their defense is better than they performed last year. I think the talent there is better than the outcome.

class="wp-block-paragraph">And some years, it seems like you get all the breaks and you win all the close games. And then other years, no matter what you do, no matter how much you study game management and time out usage, you just can’t find a way to finish a game.

class="wp-block-paragraph">It felt like that was the case with the Giants last year.

NFL league linksArticlesPro Football Focus

Analyzing the effectiveness of RPOs over the last five NFL seasonsThe concept allows offenses to attack defenses based on both pre-snap and post-snap leverage, making it a foundational element of every NFL scheme. By placing a defender in conflict, RPOs allow quarterbacks to distribute the ball to the most favorable option quickly.

However, keen observers may have noticed that RPO usage is gradually declining. After increasing every season from 2016 through 2022, RPO usage has decreased in each of the past three seasons. They accounted for 7.95% of offensive plays last season, their lowest league-wide usage since 2019.

class="wp-block-paragraph">There are several factors behind this decline. For starters, defenses have become slightly better at defending these plays. Early in their evolution, RPOs generated as many as 5.0 yards per play. That figure has since settled closer to 4.5 yards per play.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite their popularity, RPOs have generated nearly a full yard fewer per play than all other offensive plays over the past five seasons. Part of the reason is that they rarely produce explosive gains. Only 20 RPOs gained more than 30 yards last season.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The vast majority of RPOs are routine inside handoffs to running backs with a slight numbers advantage in the box or quick-hitting throws to a wide receiver who is likely to be tackled after a modest gain.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead, they are best used to keep the offense on schedule, and metrics such as PFF’s successful play percentage reflect that philosophy.

class="wp-block-paragraph">While the name “run-pass option” may imply offenses are equally likely to run or throw the ball, nearly three-quarters of all RPOs are designed runs.

NFL.com

Free agent CB Kenny Moore looking for ‘culture fit,’ weighs in on departure from ColtsFree agent All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkinsdid it during a Wednesday appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Cornerback Kenny Moore followed suit Thursday.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Moore’s role in Indianapolis changed following the dismissal of defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, and after one season spent under new DC Lou Anarumo, it became clear the two were no longer a fit.

class="wp-block-paragraph">That prompted Moore and the Colts to mutually seek a trade. When one failed to materialize, Indianapolis released Moore in May.

class="wp-block-paragraph">He’s been looking for work ever since.

class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s no hard feelings between Moore and the Colts, who both acknowledged it was time to split. But that doesn’t mean Moore has lost his competitive fire, and as he approaches his 31st birthday in August, he’d prefer to spend his final years chasing team success.

class="wp-block-paragraph">As of late June, he’s yet to find a proper pairing. But with training camp opening a month from now, it’s fair to expect interest to pick up, especially if a team develops a need at the position before the start of the regular season in September.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Moore will be waiting by the phone, ready to answer the call, pack his bags and resume his career.

Discussion topicsPro Football Focus

Washington Commanders All-PFF Team: The best players of the past 20 yearsOffenseQB: Kirk Cousins (2012-2017) • >HB: Alfred Morris (2012-2015) • >WR: Terry McLaurin (2019-2025) • >WR: Pierre Garcon (2012-2016) • >Slot WR: Santana Moss (2006-2014) • >TE: Jordan Reed (2013-2018) • >TE: Chris Cooley (2006-2012) • >LT: Trent Williams (2010-2018) • >LG: Kory Lichtensteiger (2010-2016) • >C: Chase Roullier (2017-2022) • >RG: Brandon Scherff (2015-2021) • >RT: Morgan Moses (2014-2020)The Commanders’ offense is led by its wide receivers. Over the past 20 years, Santana Moss, Pierre Garcon and Terry McLaurin have each served as Washington’s top receiving option at different points.

class="wp-block-paragraph">While most of the league’s 32 teams had a clear top quarterback over the past two decades, Washington had several contenders. Kirk Cousins and Jason Campbell are the only quarterbacks with three or more seasons of at least 600 offensive snaps, but Jayden Daniels and Robert Griffin III produced the two best individual seasons by a Washington quarterback. Cousins’ three-year stretch was stronger than Campbell’s, giving him the top spot.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Eight of the 12 players were on the roster in 2015, one of the five seasons in which Washington reached the playoffs.

DefenseDI: Jonathan Allen (2017-2024) • >DI: Chris Baker (2012-2016) • >NT: Daron Payne (2019-2015) • >ED: Ryan Kerrigan (2011-2020) • >ED: Montez Sweat (2019-2023) • >LB: London Fletcher (2007-2013) • >LB: Bobby Wagner (2024-2025) • >CB: DeAngelo Hall (2008-2017) • >CB: Quinton Dunbar (2015-2019) • >Slot CB: Kendall Fuller (2020-2023) • >S: LaRon Landry (2007-2011) • >S: Kam Curl (2020-2023)Washington has spent most of the past decade with a below-average defense, though there have been a few notable exceptions. The team has had several strong defensive players over the past 20 years, but most either didn’t play together or didn’t peak at the same time.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Ryan Kerrigan and DeAngelo Hall lead the defense after spending more than a decade with the franchise. The two biggest names on this unit are linebackers London Fletcher and Bobby Wagner. Both joined Washington in their 30s and still found success despite being among the league’s oldest linebackers during their tenures.

class="wp-block-paragraph">The most competitive spot was edge defender opposite Ryan Kerrigan. Andre Carter, Brian Orakpo, Preston Smith and Montez Sweat all played more than 3,000 snaps for Washington and posted respectable pass-rush grades. Sweat played the fewest snaps of the group but stood out against the run, earning an 89.5 run-defense grade. Each of the other edge defenders recorded run-defense grades below 65.0.

aBit o’TwitterBefore Brandon Aiyuk can force his release, he must apply for reinstatement because he's still on the reserve/left squad list. https://t.co/I3glCdhnTU

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 26, 2026Brandon Aiyuk questions whether or not he has an warrant in California and ends the IG story with:

“But if I got a warrant bro, I’m about to stay out here”

Aiyuk insinuates that he is currently in the DC area pic.twitter.com/wTSl2xbyFw

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) June 26, 2026bigger, stronger, faster 💪

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 26, 2026Some #Commanders coverage during this dead period.

Safe to say the team’s defensive assistants appreciate the job first-year DC Daronte Jones has done thus far. pic.twitter.com/vFPYVoc5tS

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 26, 2026This is $975 Million dollars the @councilofdc and @MayorBowser gave to @Commanders in addition to the other public funding. Quick math puts avg seat licensing $15K per seat paid by fans who want season tickets. @nbcwashingtonhttps://t.co/r4mX517GiU

— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) June 26, 2026The CFL will not allow Brendan Sorsby to join its league this season.https://t.co/KEs1nC1Zmn

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 26, 2026CFL (Canadian Football League) statement re: Brendan Sorsby not being allowed to join its league: pic.twitter.com/cDpVu1mpsv

— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) June 26, 2026These just keep getting better and better 😏

Catches 60-51 of the top 100 catches of 2025 pic.twitter.com/6pCFWDI1L4

— NFL (@NFL) June 26, 2026who won? 🤔@JayD__5 | @MikeSainristilpic.twitter.com/UDirAm6NUU

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 26, 2026Hook & Ladder to the LEFT TACKLE 😳 pic.twitter.com/zcOM6VmWGM

— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) June 26, 2026The Washington Capitals selected forward Oliver Suvanto with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 #NHLDraft.

Suvanto is the second Finnish player drafted in the first round in franchise history and the first Finn taken by Washington since 2006. https://t.co/s6KzCEXHkP

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 27, 2026