Charles Omenihu, Carnell Tate & Rueban Bain in today’s headlines; Ron McDole video recalls the ‘70s Redskins defensive lineman

WASHINGTON, D.C. - NOVEMBER 21: Defensive end Ron McDole #79 of the Washington Redskins leaps to block a pass thrown by quarterback David Whitehurst #17 of the Green Bay Packers at RFK Stadium on November 21, 1977 in Washington, D.C. The Redskins defeated the Packers 10-9. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)Commanders linksArticles

Commanders.com

5 things to know about Charles Omenihu

He transformed his body in college.

Omenihu is joining the Commanders with a hulking 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame, but that wasn't always the case. He came to the University of Texas much thinner, and he knew that needed to change in order to square up against college-level offensive tackles.

So, that's exactly what he did.

You know, I'm so proud of Charles," former teammate Malik Jefferson told the San Antonio Express-News in 2017. He worked really hard to be where he is now."

Omenihu's transformation was a gradual one. He arrived at Texas weighing 230 but put on 25 pounds by the end of his sophomore year. Then, when Tom Herman took over the program in 2017, he began working with strength and conditioning coach Yancy McKnight and defensive line coach Oscar Giles. Their main advice for Omenihu: work out, eat as much as possible and repeat.

That did the trick. Omenihu weighed in at 275 during his senior season, and the extra size gave him a much-needed benefit up front. He recorded 13.5 sacks in his final two seasons to go with 25 tackles for loss and 73 total stops.

I can really just thank coach McKnight," Omenihu said. Starting in the offseason, he really just transformed my body, allowed me to play with a lot more power, a lot more strength. Our offseason program really helped me develop."

He has a seven-foot wingspan.

It's never easy to rush the passer in the NFL, but it certainly helps if offensive linemen can't touch you.

That's the issue players face when they match up against Omenihu. The former Longhorn put together a strong combine performance in Indianapolis, but his arms were what really made him stand out. They measured at 36 inches, which was the second-longest at the combine that year by only one-quarter of an inch.

So, from one fingertip to the next, Omenihu has a seven-foot wingspan that makes it much easier for him to win matchups at the line of scrimmage.

Separation," Omenihu said at Texas' pro day in 2019. If you can't touch me, you can't block me."

Omenihu's senior season offered a look at how hard it can be to block him. He was the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year for leading the conference in sacks with 18 stops for a loss.

Riggo's Rag

Commanders face stern competition for Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate

After showcasing his route-running and ball skills during individual drills in Columbus, Tate revealed that several teams have scheduled individual visits with him. The Commanders are unsurprisingly one, but they are not alone.

The Cleveland Browns have already brought Tate in for a meeting, who are picking one spot ahead of the Commanders at No. 6. The Tennessee Titans (No. 4), New York Giants (No. 5), New Orleans Saints (No. 8), and Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9) are the other interested parties, which all but confirms what analysts believed.

Carnell Tate 2026 NFL Draft #ReceptionPerception Prospect Profile

Tate's 77.3% success rate vs. man coverage is the seventh-best mark for a prospect since the 2021 class. He also dropped 0 passes and posted an all-time contested catch rate.

If you're looking for a pure... pic.twitter.com/u2nDyw0Aqa

- Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) March 25, 2026

WR1 Carnell Tate. Looking smooth as always. #NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/X49inBsa5o

- Ray G (@RayGQue) March 25, 2026

Tate is going to be a top 10 pick. He could even be taken in the top five, depending on how things shake out. The Commanders will wait patiently before going on the clock. If the pass-catcher is still available, it will likely provoke a heated debate among those in power.

Carnell Tate said he considered running the 40-yard dash again at his pro day but ultimately decided against it. Tate, a projected top-10 pick, said the 40 can be a bit overvalued" and cited top NFL WRs such as Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba who didn't bave blazing 40 times. https://t.co/fzwaO9gBz7pic.twitter.com/paILmAPmTB

- Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) March 25, 2026

I'm sure nobody will make too much of this, but Commanders party stayed late after the Ohio State Pro Day and were chatting it up with receiver Carnell Tate. pic.twitter.com/fgY2lhZ0Ky

- David Harrison (@DHarrison82) March 25, 2026

A to Z Sports

Rueben Bain Jr. declined to measure arm length at Miami's Pro Day

[T]hose who showed up waiting to see his new arm length measurement left disappointed after Bain Jr. declined to do so, and just stuck with positional drills.

Bain didn't measure today, only weight.

Sticking with Combine #'s (30 7/8" arms, 77 1/2" wing, 9 1/8" hand) https://t.co/AgoPlX1HZH

- Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 23, 2026

Bain Jr's arm length has been a major talking point all offseason, and will be as he heads into the NFL. He's sticking with his 30 7/8'' arm length measurements from the NFL Scouting Combine, which is concerning, considering numbers are usually inflated at Pro Days. Despite the decision, Bain Jr. still worked drills, where he looked impressive as always.

There's a growing chance that Bain Jr. will fall to the Commanders at the No. 7 overall pick, but does that mean they should take him? The Commanders addressed the defensive line in free agency after adding Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, but they still need long-term security at the position.

Rueben Bain. Arvell Reese.

Same drill. pic.twitter.com/5ZOx1ZdWXG

- Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 25, 2026

Dan Quinn told me of Reese: "The versatility of him being an on-the-ball and off-the-ball player, that's a big deal...I could see a team blitzing him until he develops a real pass-rush arsenal." https://t.co/aGrMxKi3Mrhttps://t.co/q61hZvb4dq

- John Keim (@john_keim) March 25, 2026

Look, I think Rueben Bain's bend is great too, but it's kind of strange to see so many people fainting with excitement about it when the real star of the show are concrete hands that can club you into a coma.

- Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) March 26, 2026

Hogs Haven

That guy rocked: Ron McDole

Let us hop in the wayback machine for today's That Guy Rocked" post. In the 1960s, Ron McDole was a dominant defensive lineman for my Buffalo Bills. He was All-AFL in 1966 and second-team in 1967 and 1968. He was named to the team's Silver Anniversary team in 1985.

In 1971, he was traded to Washington and had another great run for the better part of a decade as a member of the Over-the-Hill Gang. He had 9.5 sacks in 1976 at age 37.

He has the most interceptions by a lineman (12) and 14 fumble recoveries in his career.

He was nicknamed The Dancing Bear" by Sonny Jurgensen.

That guy rocked.

Here's a video from 2014 with McDole:

Podcasts & videos

Talking about this week's Pro Days, with a heavy focus on Ohio State. A heavy Commanders' contingent in attendance. What Dan Quinn told me about Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. @espnrichmondhttps://t.co/HwzTTpQk3h

- John Keim (@john_keim) March 25, 2026

Why Mansoor Delane and Dani Dennis-Sutton are the PERFECT Draft DuoNFC East links

Big Blue View

Ohio State Pro Day: Caleb Downs says knee questions have been answered

Caleb Downs, the Ohio State safety who could be the New York Giants' selection at No. 5 in the 2026 NFL Draft, said Wednesday at the school's Pro Day that there was nothing to reports about him having a potentially degenerative knee issue.

Nothing," Downs told Steelers Now of what he had to say in response to the report from Cory Kinnan of Daft on Draft. They already answered it. Pat McAfee put out a statement about it. That's not what my medical says, so it is what it is. I don't really know who gave him that information, whoever that dude is. But it is what it is. I'm just gonna continue to do me. I can't control what people say."

I asked Ohio State safety Caleb Downs about the report that surfaced about teams having medical concerns. The #Buckeyes star is confused where those came from. Listen: pic.twitter.com/tqr84A2dwF

- Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) March 25, 2026

Giants coach John Harbaugh and area scout Brendan Prophet had an extended conversation with Caleb Downs at Ohio State's Pro Day. The standout safety is in the discussion for the fifth pick.

Harbaugh was there with a large contingent that included (among others) GM Joe Schoen,... pic.twitter.com/Qv3p9MuD73

- Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 26, 2026

Daniel Jeremiah thinks it's more likely Caleb Downs goes in the 10-20 range than the top 10.

- Marshall (@MarshW_7) March 26, 2026

Blogging the Boys

Cowboys should draft this turnover machine

LB, Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 231 pounds | Speed: 4.57 forty time

Background

Jacob Rodriguez did not take the traditional path to becoming a defensive stud. He began his collegiate career at the University of Virginia, where he was essentially the Swiss Army knife of the roster. Originally a quarterback, he spent his time under center, lining up at tight end, and even taking snaps as a wildcat runner. Eventually, he decided that instead of managing the offense, he would much rather dismantle it.

He transferred to Texas Tech and fully transitioned to the linebacker position, a move that proved to be a stroke of genius. Over the last two seasons, he has transformed into a tackling machine for the Red Raiders. His most eye-popping statistic is his ability to displace the football from its owner, as he famously tied an NCAA record by forcing seven fumbles in a single season.

Strengths

When you watch Rodriguez play, the first thing you notice is a level of intensity that suggests he might have replaced his morning coffee with rocket fuel. He possesses an elite lateral burst that allows him to shoot through gaps before offensive linemen can blink. His motor simply does not have an off switch, as he will chase a ball carrier forty yards downfield just to prove a point. This agility makes him a nightmare in pursuit, allowing him to navigate through traffic with the grace of a gazelle and the impact of a sledgehammer.

His ability to blitz from various angles and his sideline-to-sideline speed align perfectly with [an] aggressive, fast-paced scheme.... [Rodriguez] can diagnose plays quickly and play with a physical edge.... He would essentially serve as a heat-seeking missile in this defense, cleaning up the mess while the defensive line creates havoc up front.

Rodriguez is currently projected to be a coveted day-two selection, likely hearing his name called in the second or very early third round.

He brings the perfect blend of high-floor intelligence and high-ceiling athleticism to a unit that desperately needs a spark. He is a high-octane playmaker who will turn every defensive snap into a must-watch event.

Cam Jurgens couldn't even walk the day after the Eagles ran 4 tush pushes in a row

Maybe it's time we start checking on the centers before dialing that play up again pic.twitter.com/T6zjP2cdPH

- Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) March 25, 2026

NFL league linksArticles

NFL.com

Seahawks to kick off 2026 NFL regular season on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Seattle

The National Football League announced today that the 2026 NFL Kickoff presented by YouTube TV is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock in Seattle with the Super Bowl LX champion Seahawks.

Additionally, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10 at approximately 8:35 p.m. ET at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Seahawks' Week 1 opponent will be announced when the full 2026 NFL regular season schedule is released later this spring.

ESPN

Sources: NFL, referees break off labor talks amid impasse

Ongoing labor negotiations between the NFL and NFL Referees Association broke off earlier than scheduled this week as the sides were unable to make progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement, sources told ESPN.

Talks were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, according to sources, but ended after Wednesday morning's session.

The NFLRA's collective bargaining agreement expires May 31, and concern about the distance between the sides has prompted the NFL to begin the process of vetting and hiring replacement officials for the 2026 season.

NFL officials are not full-time employees of the league. According to sources, the average NFL official last season earned about $350,000 annually as part of a multipronged compensation structure that includes game fees, bonuses, meeting fees, preparation fees and other benefits.

The NFL has offered a 10% increase in game fees across the board in the regular season and up to 30% for those who work the Super Bowl, sources said. The league is also seeking agreements to improve officiating performance, in part by redirecting annual bonus money toward high-performing officials and increasing the probationary period for new officials, which currently stands at three years.

The NFLRA is hoping to lower the probationary period, ESPN's Kahler has reported.

The NFL and NFLRA's most recent set of negotiations were set to start today in Florida. They didn't even make it to noon-talks broke off, with the league's owners meetings set for next week in Arizona.

From NFLRA executive director Scott Green: "We gave them a counter proposal...

- Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 25, 2026

Front Office Sports

NFL-Backed Flag Football Event Draws Sub-650K TV Audience

There was plenty of build-up toward the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, but viewers were largely uninterested in the event

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic drew an average television audience on Fox of 641,000 for the round-robin competition and an average of 649,000 for the title game. The event featured many current and former NFL stars, including Tom Brady, Saquon Barkley, and Davante Adams. Despite a late venue change from Saudi Arabia to Los Angeles, due to military action in the Middle East, the event carried plenty of initial build-up.

Contracts

Over the Cap

Browns and Myles Garrett Agree to Modified Contract Language

ESPN's Field Yates is reporting that the Browns and star Edge rusher Myles Garrett have agreed to a modified contract where the two sides have agreed to push back the option dates in his contract from late March to early September. This is a pretty bizarre move on Garrett's end as it defers the payment of salary each year to Garrett and really just opens up a trade window each year, except Garrett has a no trade provision. It is hard to really tell what the logic is here from either side.

Garrett's original contract extension, per a source with knowledge of the contract. had yearly option bonuses due in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Garrett was able to get the Browns to break from tradition and have the exercise date of the option tied to the 15th day of the league year. This would force the Browns to commit to a payment at that time and more or less protect him from losing much of that salary if he were to somehow breach his contract after the 15th day.

Under the prior terms he would be paid $10 million in 2026, $13 million in 2027, and $7 million in 2028 within a month of the option being exercised by the Browns. The balance would then be paid concurrent with his salary and as lump sum on March 31 of the following year. Now those initial payments are deferred until the fall when the new option date occurs. Yates did mention that there are payment benefits to Garrett so the Browns must have moved some of the money due with his weekly salary up to make up for what is somewhere around a 6 month delay to being paid. Garrett also received March roster bonuses in the final two years of his contract but considering the Browns got him to move this bonus I'm sure they don't envision that as much of a concession.

The Browns don't gain any cap room by making this move unless they actually changed the option amounts this year. They already had the lowest cap charge possible for Garrett, outside of converting some per game bonuses to a signing bonus. All this does is give the team the maximum flexibility to trade Garrett assuming they were to get him to waive a his no trade clause. I guess there is also the soft factor of having everyone on the team have a similar exercise date.

The benefit of this is all to the team. They delay payments until the fall and most importantly they delay financial commitments until that time. The option here functions the same as a restructured contract where the team gets the lowest possible cap charge for the player but at the same time still hold the rights to send that money to another team via trade or potentially escape things entirely is a guarantee void occurs for any reason. In a traditional restructure once you restructure the contract you are on the hook for the salary regardless of if you trade the player or not.

This mechanism has caught on with other teams in recent years. The Browns use this in every single contract. The Lions have used this in some of their big deals. The 49ers have adopted this mechanism. The Broncos have multiple options in each year, though they have actually used these to pick and choose when to take on bigger cap charges in a given year. Dallas uses them in the final year of contracts. I would expect more teams to use them because there really is no downside for the team.

As I mentioned on X, it is an odd move to make for a player with a no trade clause, but the Browns seemingly turned a very player favorable contract back into a team favorable one with this move and will certainly keep trade discussions out in the media next year if the team plays poorly this year.

aBit o'Twitter

Veteran CB Ahkello Witherspoon is visiting the #Commanders tomorrow, source says. Entering his 10th season, Witherspoon was drafted by the #49ers when now-Washington GM Adam Peters was a personnel executive for the Niners. pic.twitter.com/EFOY5HulQY

- Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 25, 2026

A complete update on Jeremiyah Love's draft journey, from Love himself...

He joined me at his Pro Day - chocolate shakes, back flips, body weight, draft plans, and how HE sees his versatility...

@nflnetwork@NDFootball#goirish pic.twitter.com/iKzhxopkFu

- StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 25, 2026

"Because I went through what I went through this year, I don't think there is anything that can faze me."#LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier joined The Insiders on @NFLNetwork to discuss his health, his draft rise, and why he's now ready for anything. pic.twitter.com/8aGu4Yct00

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2026

The #Ravens have released some really cool behind-the-scenes content of their HC interview with Jesse Minter.

This is some great stuff.

( @Ravens)pic.twitter.com/BU3PQhowMt

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 26, 2026

Hasn't worked out yet today, but already I get a vibe Carnell Tate and Jayden Daniels would get along. Can't put my finger on it pic.twitter.com/Wp1T8vYo1u

- David Harrison (@DHarrison82) March 25, 2026

his boys fr pic.twitter.com/Ljuh9jrt4p

- Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 25, 2026