On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Kliff Kingsbury wanted to make sure the Washington Commanders got his man. And the progressive play-caller channeled his inner Kevin Costner to ensure Adam Peters heeded his advice.
The offensive coordinator became convinced Josh Conerly Jr. was the prospect Washington should take at No. 29 overall. They didn't have a huge need at the offensive tackle position after striking a bombshell trade for five-time Pro Bowl blindside enforcer Laremy Tunsil, but Peters is always going to take the best players available regardless. That proved to be the case once again.
And Kingsbury had a huge say in proceedings, albeit hilariously and unconventionally.
Everyone knows the 'Vontae Mack, no matter what' post-it that Sonny Weaver Jr. (played by Costner), in the hit film Draft Day. Kingsbury's note was a lot bigger, but the message he left on general manager Adam Peters' desk was loud and clear.
Kliff Kingsbury leaves emphatic message for Commanders GM Adam Peters before Josh Conerly Jr. pick
"Just popping in, take the Oregon tackle."
Peters made this public knowledge after the pick was made amid jubilant scenes in Washington's war room. Conerly comes with Day 1 starting promise on the edge. He's athletic, technically sound, and boasts an immensely high ceiling given his age and current trajectory.
Kliff left a note on AP's desk this week...
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 25, 2025
Manifestation works pic.twitter.com/CGjvfQdub0
The former Oregon star also didn't allow a single pressure when going up against Abdul Carter. Of course, he'll now face him twice a season after the edge rusher was drafted No. 3 overall by the New York Giants.
Trading down was contemplated by Peters, but no offer he deemed acceptable arrived. The Commanders were also playing the board effectively, knowing that several offensive linemen had gone in the first round before they went on the clock. Not taking Conerly at No. 29 would have guaranteed he went elsewhere.
This shakes up the offensive line dynamic. However, Peters is always thinking two steps ahead and has removed sentiment from the equation.
He knows Andrew Wylie is heading into the final year of his deal and probably won't return in 2026. He knows Brandon Coleman is far from a sure thing on the edge, so a future on the interior seems more obvious now. The front-office leader is also aware that stud right guard Sam Cosmi is set to miss most if not all of the upcoming campaign with a torn ACL.
That's called long-term planning and placing the team's interests above all else. It's been a long time since the Commanders were run with such professionalism. And looking at the returns Peters got from his first draft class, fans have complete trust that Conerly can emerge quickly into a valuable contributor.
Kingsbury's message was heard. He now has another athletic edge presence to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels. Just how much his message tipped the scales is anyone's guess, but it didn't hurt, that's for sure.
It's now up to Conerly to repay this faith.
More Commanders news and analysis
More must-reads:
- New evidence casts doubt on when Clippers cut ties with fraudulent company
- Fantasy football Week 3: Five players who could flop
- The 'Switch-hitter single-season HR leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
'I think it’s going to be very tough' - Luke Littler shares concerns over Manchester United's decline in form
Former Ohio State Buckeyes star defends his ranking of the Tennessee Vols after overtime loss to the Georgia Bulldogs
Stephen A. Smith gives emotional farewell to Molly Qerim
Molly Qerim has confirmed she is leaving ESPN, and Stephen A. Smith delivered an emotional farewell to his longtime colleague on Tuesday. A report surfaced on Monday night that Qerim would be leaving ESPN at the end of 2025. The network is said to have offered Qerim a new contract, but she has chosen to move on. While Qerim is under contract with ESPN through the end of the year, it appears she has chosen to leave “First Take” immediately. She issued a statement via social media confirming that she has “decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.” Qerim said the news did not come out “in the way I had hoped” but that hosting the show was “one of the greatest honors of my career.” Stephen A. Smith then addressed Qerim’s departure at the start of Tuesday’s edition of “First Take.” “She’s hosted ‘First Take’ for 10 years with her grace, her expertise and her incomparable kindness. She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade,” Smith said. “Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity and class and kindness, to say the least. We’ll miss her. We wish her every blessing on her future. I personally am grateful to her for her friendship, and I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.” Qerim, 41, first began at ESPN in 2006 in a digital media content role. She then moved to the television side for the network in 2008, serving as a host and reporter for shows such as “College Football Live” and “Fantasy Football Now.” Qerim became the permanent host of “First Take” in 2015. Qerim got married to former NBA player Jalen Rose in 2018. Rose was an analyst for ESPN at the time. The two ended up filing for divorce in 2021. Before she joined ESPN, Qerim worked for NFL Network and CBS Sports Network.
Raiders' Pete Carroll admits disappointing truth about Ashton Jeanty
The Las Vegas Raiders had high hopes and expectations when they took Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in this year's draft. It's becoming increasingly rare to see running backs drafted so high, but after watching him post one of the single greatest seasons in college football history, he looked more than worthy of that honor. So far, however, the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist has looked quite mortal in his first two games in the pros. Ashton Jeanty hasn't gotten off to a fast start in the NFL He logged 38 yards and one score in his NFL debut, and then logged just 43 yards on 11 carries in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. That's why Raiders head coach Pete Carroll had to admit that they needed to take things slowly with Jeanty. While he acknowledged that they hadn't done much to put Jeanty in a position to succeed, he remains optimistic about the RB's prospects. "We're just getting started (with Jeanty)," Carroll told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "He's breaking into the NFL. He's figuring it out. He'll get more carries. We have to run the ball more effectively. We only got (68 yards), and that's not enough. We need more than that. We're bringing (Jeanty) along. More will come." Ashton Jeanty knows he has to do better Jeanty is averaging 2.7 yards per attempt, which is a far cry from his 6.4 yards per carry in college. At least he knows he has to be better, and he believes it's just a matter of time before he gets used to the speed of the pros. "Last week it was on me, I didn't do a good job of reading the plays. I'll put it on myself again this week," Jeanty said. "Just getting used to the speed, honestly. Last week kind of felt like I was moving a little slower, this week felt better. Still not there yet, but once it happens, it will be good." Jeanty continued commenting on the situation on Wednesday. He didn't mince words. Jeanty has posted the fewest rushing yards (81) among players with at least 30 carries, and his next chance to turn the page will come in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders' beatable run defense.
Kyle Shanahan has surprising Brock Purdy update — 49ers are confident in QB situation regardless
Bombshell report expands on culture issues within 0-2 Dolphins
A Wednesday report shared that the Miami Dolphins "did a lot of work in the offseason to try to transform their team culture" before they opened the ongoing campaign with back-to-back losses. For a lengthy piece published on Thursday, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN expanded on alleged culture issues that have impacted the Dolphins under head coach Mike McDaniel, who has been in his role since 2022. Mike McDaniel hasn't run a tight ship with Dolphins "Multiple sources in and around the team said tardiness was an issue throughout this past season," Louis-Jacques revealed. "...One current Dolphins player said he believed some captains this past season took advantage of the role. [Cornerback Jalen Ramsey] and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who were two of the eight players voted captains in 2024, were among repeat offenders who received numerous fines throughout the season. Players were often late to practice and meetings, with multiple team sources suggesting it reflected a lack of respect for the first-time coach McDaniel -- who was hesitant to publicly admonish players outside of posting fines." On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted that Dolphins players "believe the culture is better after the franchise moved on from several key players, many of whom did not appear happy there." Specifically, Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith were traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a pick swap in June. Safety Jevon Holland left the Dolphins and signed with the New York Giants in free agency. As for Hill, questions about his dedication to the cause arose when he subbed himself out of Miami's regular-season finale and then told reporters that he was "out" this past January. He later publicly apologized for his actions but has remained the subject of trade rumors through September. Are McDaniel and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier on the hot seat? Whispers throughout the offseason suggested Dolphins owner Stephen Ross could part ways with McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier if the club finished this season without at least a playoff appearance. McDaniel has yet to guide the Dolphins to a single postseason win, and his team was coming off an 8-9 campaign before it dropped two straight games this month. "A source familiar with Ross' thinking told ESPN this offseason they don't believe McDaniel's and Grier's job security is as simple as 'playoffs or bust,' and reiterated that sentiment after Week 1," Louis-Jacques wrote. "...Although there is a limit to [Ross'] patience with the team's results. After a winless start to the 2025 season, and prime-time games against division opponents coming, there will be increased outside attention on how far Ross' patience will stretch." As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had the winless Dolphins as massive 11.5-point road underdogs for Thursday night's game at the 2-0 Buffalo Bills. One can't help but wonder how Ross may react if Miami gets blown out at Buffalo's Highmark Stadium.
Latest comments hint Penguins will part ways with franchise cornerstone
As the Pittsburgh Penguins approach a new season with an eye on the future, their relationship with Evgeni Malkin, one of their longest-tenured legends, is already under fire. When Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas spoke to the media ahead of training camp getting underway on Friday, one of the first questions he was asked was about Malkin's contract. The upcoming 2025-26 season will mark a career milestone for the 39-year-old Russian-born superstar. Malkin is preparing to play in his 20th NHL season, but he's also well aware he's in the final year of a four-year contract he signed in July 2022. But based on the comments from both sides, it certainly sounds as if there's uncertainty about how much longer Malkin will remain in Pittsburgh. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas comments on Evgeni Malkin "He’s in a great mood every day,” Dubas said in reference to Malkin. “No change on [the contract] front. I spoke with him and [agent J.P. Barry] in the summer when stuff started percolating there. At the time in every one of their careers, I’ll sit when time permits," he added. Most of what Dubas said comes off as a typical statement from a general manager wanting to stay noncommittal while also avoiding alienating a star player. However, what Malkin said leads fans to believe he has every intention on continuing his career beyond this coming season. Evgeni Malkin speaks out ahead of contract year Malkin seems to understand the Penguins' situation, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will bow out gracefully and have his final year in Pittsburgh be his last in the NHL. "I understand it's maybe last year, maybe two more years. I need to just play fan. Because I play my whole life, why not just two more years? It’s so much better when the team wins. The last three years, we missed playoffs; it’s the worst feeling, you know?" said Malkin. The problem with that may be that he's unlikely to fit into Dubas' plans. Fully aware that it may take time to make the Penguins a contender again, Dubas spent most of last year selling off talent in hopes of rebuilding the roster. Even so, most don't expect Pittsburgh to contend unless somehow the only Penguin with a legacy greater than Malkin's in Sidney Crosby performs to a level that rivals his MVP seasons. Where does Evgeni Malkin fit into the Penguins' plan? If the Penguins are still stuck in a rebuilding mode, where does an aging and declining player fit into that equation, if anywhere at all? Of course, a lot of what happens may depend on how much production Malkin can still provide the current iteration of the team. Last season, Malkin registered only 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games, his lowest outputs in a season with at least 60 games played in both categories since 2018-19. And for the most glaring statistic, Malkin was a -24, the second worst +/- of his career. While Malkin will be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame and likely honored with his No. 71 retired by Pittsburgh, it's very possible Dubas will be able to find a younger, and maybe cheaper, player who can match or exceed his production. Regardless of what the future holds, Malkin's legacy as is set. The three-time Stanley Cup champion has 514 goals and 1,346 points. He's also a seven-time NHL All-Star and a Conn Smythe and Hart Trophy winner as the MVP of a postseason and a regular season among his many accolades. When it comes to Malkin and the Penguins, stay tuned.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
