Louis Riddick recalls how Washington was split on drafting Sean Taylor or Kellen Winslow in the final hours before making the pick

The Washington Commanders held a pre-draft press conference with GM Adam Peters and Assistant GM Lance Newmark last Thursday. One comment that stood out from Peters in that presser was how he talked about the decision at quarterback. “We’re real close,” Peters said. “There’s still a few more things in the process we have to do; I’m pretty process-driven, process-oriented. We have to debrief on our 30 visits with the whole staff, and later tonight, we have medical meetings as well to go over all of the medicals, the combine, and get that information, and to ask pointed questions.” Peters went on to say that he and Dan Quinn will huddle up and make a decision next week.

Peters doesn’t feel rushed in the slightest, and in Washington’s franchise history, there is precedence within the organization, as ESPN Analyst Louis Riddick recalled when he was on the Trap or Dive Podcast this past Thursday. Riddick, who was a part of Washington’s organization from 2001-2007, first as a pro scout before being elevated to the Director of pro personnel, spoke on the final week of the pre-draft process where Washington was torn between drafting tight end Kellen Winslow or safety Sean Taylor.

“That decision went all the way up to 12 hours before the pick was actually made,” Riddick said. “The night before we went home, we had a staff meeting with coaches, front office personnel, and ownership, and Kellen [Moore] was number one on the board. The next morning, when I came into the draft room, Sean was number one on the board. We had a very productive, but emotional, animated, argument that was made on behalf of both Kellen and Sean that day.

Riddick further stated that the decision was pretty much split 50-50, and he had no idea how it would go when it was time to make that pick. However, for those trying to understand just how significant Washington’s decision on who they will take at number two will be, it can be taxing for all the staff involved in this pre-draft process.

Listen to the full interview with Louis Riddick below. We discuss:

• Who is Louis Riddick’s QB1
• How Jayden Daniels compares to Joe Burrow
• What to make of Washington’s top 30 visit
• Why teams can change their tune on players after visits
• How Washington could replicate Houston’s success with CJ Stroud & more!

Podcast Version:

YouTube version:

Subscribe to the Trap or Dive Podcast, which is available on all podcast platforms.