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Daily Slop – 1 Jun 24: Washington’s rookies take the annual tour of the nation’s capital

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A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East and the NFL in general

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Commanders.com

Dominique Hampton a perfect fit for Washington’s defense

Hampton, the most utilized player in the history of the University of Washington’s football program, made a home with the Huskies with his physicality and versatility. He thinks those skills will be put to good use with the Commanders, who he feels possesses a defense that will give him the chance to shine.

“I’ve been watching [head coach] Dan Quinn’s defense and how he runs it,” Hampton said. “I was watching him when he was with the [Dallas Cowboys]. I just feel like I fit exactly what my position says. I’m gonna glove up tight ends, I’m gonna be physical in the run game, I’m gonna be over the top on defense. I just feel like the fit was so perfect.”

Hampton said the team has him learning safety and dime backer. That tracks for how Washington wants to use all its players, as Hampton and several of his teammates have placed at different spots during OTA practices to see what they can, and can’t, do to help the team win.

“It’s turnovers, turnovers, turnovers,” Hampton said of Whitt. “Get the ball back to the offense, make plays, score on defense. I really appreciate everything Joe has done for me, but I know it’s just the beginning. He’s got a plan for me, and I’m ready to execute it.”

Burgundy & Gold Report

Breaking Down Owens’ Athleticism & Potential Impact | Washington Commanders

The UDFA market was fast and furious post-draft. Washington made Texas Tech defensive back Tyler Owens one of their priority signings and the standout special teamer could open eyes during training camp.

In ‘22 Owens was active in all 12 games with 2 starts. He recorded 19 tackles, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles and a blocked field goal.

Although Owens would miss 2 games due to ankle injury in 2023, he started a career high 9 games (played in 10 games) for the Red Raiders. On the season Owens recorded 37 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 2 passes defended.

Owens lined up at safety, as well as the Red Raiders vaunted hybrid “Star” role, which allowed him to play close to the line as an enforcer.

Per PFF Owens played 570 snaps on defense and was targeted 28 times (16 of those going for completions).

The special teams standout also played 83 total snaps on the kickoff, punt return, punt coverage and field goal block units.

2024 Outlook

Owens faces the challenge of making the final roster with a crowded safety room. As mentioned, a hybrid role could be carved out for Owens, but ultimately he’ll have to standout on special teams and hope Qunin elects to keep 5-6 safeties.

The Texas Tech hybrid’s athleticism is undeniable and new DC Joe Whitt Jr. showed he can properly groom virtually unknown defensive backs while in Dallas.

Although the practice squad is his likely destination, Owens is still extremely raw lacking game experience, but is worth developing.

Podcasts & videos

Michael Davis started from the bottom now he’s HERE | Free Agency Friday | Command Center

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Bleacher Report

5 Trade Packages Bengals Would Have to Consider for Tee Higgins amid NFL OTAs

Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2025 second-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick

Washington Commanders receive: WR Tee Higgins

The Washington Commanders have the second-most cap space with $43.4 million. They can allocate a chunk of that cap space to Higgins’ new contract with the intent to do everything possible to help Jayden Daniels get off to a quick career start.

Washington can afford to be aggressive in acquiring playmakers while Daniels is on a rookie deal.

With this trade, it would have a deep receiver group that includes Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, rookie third-rounder Luke McCaffrey and Higgins.

McLaurin, Dotson and McCaffrey can rotate in the slot, which would allow Higgins to continue taking most of his snaps on the outside.

As a rebuilding team, Washington’s own 2025 draft picks may be early in each round, which is something the Cincinnati Bengals should consider if they open up trade discussions that involve Higgins.

Pro Football Talk

D’Andre Swift says Hard Knocks viewers got the wrong idea the last time he was on

Swift was on the Lions in 2022 when they were portrayed on the training camp documentary series, and one of the storylines was about a seemingly strained relationship he had with Lions running backs coach Duce Staley. But Swift says the reality of the situation was different than the TV show let on.

“They [Hard Knocks] just tried to portray a different narrative and what it was as far as my relationship with Coach Staley, but it was a cool experience. I’ll say like that,” Swift said, via NBCSportsChicago.com.

Swift said he can’t be concerned with how the TV show portrays him.

“For me personally, I don’t really worry about the cameras too much,” Swift said. “I got a job to do here every day, so I’m not really focused on it.”

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CB Michael Davis