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With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2025 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Washington Commanders, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Washington Commanders rookies?
- Josh Conerly Jr. (OT, Oregon)
- Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
- Jaylin Lane (WR, Virginia Tech)
- Kain Medrano (LB, UCLA)
- Jacory Croskey–Merritt (RB, Arizona)
Washington Commanders Draft Class Grade:
The Washington Commanders received a B draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Commanders Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Washington’s selection of Josh Conerly Jr. (first round) potentially means the team will open the year with two new offensive tackles.
Laremy Tunsil was already added to start at left tackle, and Conerly will be given an opportunity to compete with Brandon Coleman and Andrew Wylie at right tackle.
The loser of that competition might still have an opportunity to start at left guard, but that would be tough to ask Conerly, who exclusively played left tackle at Oregon, to make the switch to a competition at right tackle and then make another training camp switch to guard.
If Conerly loses the right tackle competition, it’s more likely he takes on the swing tackle role while waiting for his opportunity to replace Tunsil on the left side down the road.
Trey Amos (second round) has the ideal ball-hawk traits to fit into Dan Quinn’s defense.
Based on route adjusted data, Amos generated a ball-hawk rate 75% above expected over the last two seasons at Ole Miss and Alabama.
Amos will likely be given a chance to start opposite Marshawn Lattimore as an outside cornerback, with Mike Sainristil shifting back to nickel, where he began last year and played extensively in college.
There’s almost no competition for Amos, so he probably just needs to look competent in training camp to earn a job. Though if he struggles, Sainristil could remain on the outside with Noah Igbinoghene or Jonathan Jones manning the slot corner role.
Jaylin Lane (fourth round) is an undersized speedster who probably makes his most immediate impact on special teams, potentially returning both kicks and punts during his rookie year.
Lane primarily saw action in the slot at Virginia Tech. It will be tough to find opportunities for him there with Deebo Samuel and Luke McCaffrey both seeing action in that role. However, Lane’s unique speed could lead the team to have a package of plays ready for him when they want to chase a big play.
Based on route adjusted data, Lane gained 26% more yards after the catch than expected during his two years with the Hokies. That play-making ability could provide a spark for a receiving corps lacking elite speed.
Kain Medrano (sixth round) is a developmental prospect who likely struggles to see the field beyond special teams in 2025.
If Medrano can’t fix his 21% broken/missed tackle rate from last season at UCLA, he’ll be unplayable 一 even on special teams.
He’s well worth the gamble late on Day 3, however, due to the special athletic traits he flashed at the combine.
Although UCLA rarely used him on blitzes, his 22% pressure rate last season was evidence of some potential in that area.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (seventh round) was a potentially valuable selection due to his Austin Ekeler-like skillset.
If something were to happen to the 30-year-old Ekeler, who missed time due to injuries last year, Croskey-Merritt might be able to step into his role without too much disruption to the offense.
Washington was stuck without an explosive weapon in the backfield during Ekeler’s absence last year, but Croskey-Merritt’s 4.45 speed could solve that problem.
It’s hard to argue with any of Washington’s selections in this class; however, it’s concerning to see a team still lacking in overall depth put together such a small draft class.
Washington was without multiple picks in this class due to the Lattimore and Tunsil trades, two veterans who should help. But the lack of overall talent added to the roster with this class could hurt in the long run. It would be a shock if this class produced more than two long-term starters.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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