USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Mar 24, 2022

It’s generally a pretty big deal when the head coach of an NFL team shows up at an NFL draft prospect’s pro day. Sure, it seems like Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is everywhere these days. Still, Washington coach Ron Rivera has mostly allowed his staff, including general manager Martin Mayhew, personnel executive Marty Hurney and specific coaches, to handle pro days. - This week, top quarterback prospects Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis had their pro days on campus in Pittsburgh and Lynchburg, Virginia, respectively. Washington sent a contingent to both pro days; however, Rivera was not among those who attended. - On Wednesday, Rivera did attend a pro day. The Washington head coach was in Columbus, Ohio, to watch Ohio State’s pro day. The Buckeyes churn out multiple top NFL prospects every year, so in a sense, it’s not a surprise to see a head coach in attendance. - One photo, in particular, drew the attention of Washington fans. Rivera was pictured chatting with Ohio State star wideout Chris Olave Wednesday. In case you haven’t heard, the Commanders could use another wide receiver, and the Buckeyes have two — Olave and Garrett Wilson — who are first-round prospects. - - Chris Olave with Ron Rivera pic.twitter.com/nvpw6SW2Q4 - — Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) March 23, 2022 - - - Are we reading too much into this photo? Perhaps. But the Commanders have a need, two former Buckeye wide receivers already on the roster, and the head coach was in town. - As far as Rivera not attending the workouts of Pickett, Willis, or Matt Corral, he’s seen enough to know whether or not he would draft either quarterback if they fell to No. 11. After trading for Carson Wentz, it seems doubtful, but Rivera hasn’t ruled it out if a quarterback is one of the players the team loves. - Several positions could be in play for Washington at No. 11, specifically wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback, or guard, and both Wilson and Olave could very much be in play for the Commanders. -   - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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