Darryl Tapp spent 12 years as an NFL player, including one year in Washington, before retiring after the 2017 season. Tapp immediately joined the coaching world in 2018, first at Central Michigan, before quickly moving to Vanderbilt in 2019. In 2020, Tapp achieved a dream, returning to his alma mater, Virginia Tech, where he is in the school's Hall of Fame, and coached the defensive line.
However, Tapp's time in Blacksburg was short, and his coaching ascent continued. In 2021, he headed to the San Francisco 49ers as the assistant defensive line coach. After three years with the 49ers, Tapp returned to Washington as Dan Quinn's new defensive line coach.
Tapp grew up in Virginia, rooting for Washington, so wearing the burgundy and gold as a player and returning as a coach was special for him.
So, what's Tapp doing this offseason? He was back in Blacksburg recently, leading the defensive line drills at Virginia Tech for the Hokies' annual pro day. The Hokies have several NFL draft prospects, including two talented defensive linemen: edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles.
Darryl Tapp leading DL drills pic.twitter.com/qqwIg86RB9
— Kolby Crawford (@kolby_crawford) March 26, 2025
After spending time at the pro day, Tapp was a keynote speaker for Virginia Tech's late edition of "Chalk Talk," where high school coaches gather to learn from Virginia Tech coaches and other guests, which included Tapp and fellow Hokie alum — and former NFL head coach — Bruce Arians.
We appreciate Washington Commanders Defensive Line coach and Virginia Tech legend, Darryl Tapp presenting at our Chalk Talk. pic.twitter.com/AV41Re9q6Y
— Derek Jones (@CoachdjCheetah) March 28, 2025
All 32 NFL teams were represented in Blacksburg for Virginia Tech's pro day. Here is a list of Hokies who could be options for Washington.
- EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland
- RB Bhayshul Tuten
- WR Jaylin Lane
- DT Aeneas Peebles
- CB Dorian Strong
Over two dozen players participated in VT's pro day, but matching up Washington's needs, these five players could be of most interest to the Commanders. Washington desperately seeks edge rushing help, and Powell-Ryland is coming off a 16-sack, All-American season. He and Peebles had big days with Tapp in attendance. Powell-Ryland's vertical jump and Peebles' bench press were extremely impressive.
Most people believe the Commanders will draft a running back. Tuten is a sneaky option that could land in the third round. Tuten's 4.32 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine was the fastest in this year's deep running back class and the fourth fastest for running backs over the last 22 years. Lane is a wide receiver many are sleeping on, who would give the Commanders the speed they seek at wide receiver after letting Dyami Brown walk.
Washington has rostered many Hokies over the years. With Tapp on staff, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn will have better insight into the VT's draft prospects than any other NFL team.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire:
