4: Washington Commanders look to prove 2024 wasn’t a fluke
After a deep playoff run led by the outstanding rookie season of Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders look to ride that momentum into the 2025 NFL season. In what NFL Mocks will rank as the fourth best draft class in the division, did the Commanders find the right players to strengthen areas of need?
Top Pick: With protecting Daniels as key motivation, the Commanders used their first-round pick on Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. After trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, the rookie tackle is expected to hold down the right side of the line. There is a chance that Conerly Jr. slides in a plays guard, but whatever they do with the talented offensive lineman should strengthen the line and give Daniels time to do his thing.
Surprise Pick: The top pick was the surprise pick. Again, Conerly fills a need, but they could’ve used the pick on a young edge rusher or a wide receiver and still had the Oregon tackle still there when they selected at No. 61. The trade for Tunsil should’ve allowed them to use their first-round pick on a playmaker on either side of the ball.
Favorite Pick: Trey Amos didn’t have a great NFL Combine, but with his length and experience at the position he should be able to come in and add depth to the Commanders secondary. The Good thing with the second-round pick, is there will be no pressure for him to make an immediate impact as the Commanders have Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil and Jonathan Jones at the top of the depth chart. That will give Amos time to adjust to the NFL.
A potential steal of the draft: Kain Medrano will be a late-round pick who makes some noise for the Commanders. The UCAL product will get a chance to learn behind Bobby Wagner. As a player with the versatility and speed to play a hybrid big safety/linebacker role, Medrano’s contribution in Year 1 could rise the stock of the team’s 2025 NFL Draft stock.