The NFL draft is over and the Washington Commanders have reportedly made a big hire as the cycle moves on t0 2027 and beyond. Tim Gribble had been Washington’s director of college scouting for 6 years and was part of the front office for almost 25 years. He left 3 months ago to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, and has now been replaced by Ryan Kessenich, and area scout from the 49ers.

Adam Peters was the 49ers vice president of player personnel when Kessenich was hired as a college scout in 2019. Peters was promoted to assistant GM two years later and worked with him for another three years before getting hired as the Commanders GM in 2024. The scouting department has seen some changes since Peters’ arrival, but this is the most significant hire so far. Kessenich will be in charge of finding the talent that will continue to build the franchise.

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The Commanders are in the third season under Adam Peters, and he just completed his third draft for the franchise. Next year, the Commanders will have their full slate of draft picks, and will be picking lower than this year’s No. 7 overall. Kessenitch will be a important leader for the scouting department under GM Adam Peters.

Career TimelineWashington Redskins

Pro Scouting Assistant – May 2005 – Feb 2006

Northwestern University

Director of Player Development and Player Personnel – Jun 2006 – May 2009

Kansas City Chiefs

Midwest College Scout – May 2009 – May 2013

Chicago Bears

National Scout – May 2015 – May 2018

Pro / College Scout – May 2013 – May 2015

Northwestern University

Football Consultant/Advance Scout – Aug 2018 – May 2019

Reese’s Senior Bowl

Scout – Aug 2018 – May 2019

San Francisco 49ers

College scout – May 2019 – May 2026

Washington Commanders

Director of College Scouting – May 2026 – Present