Commanders Final Draft Grades: Washington helps Jayden Daniels but fails to fill crucial need during the draft
There's a clear theme to the Washington Commanders offseason: Get Jayden Daniels as much help as possible."Every move we make, we're trying to maximize [Jayden Daniels] and really the whole team," Adam Peters told reporters after the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. It was obvious during free agency, as Peters traded for Deebo Samuel […]
There's a clear theme to the Washington Commanders offseason: Get Jayden Daniels as much help as possible.
"Every move we make, we're trying to maximize [Jayden Daniels] and really the whole team," Adam Peters told reporters after the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
It was obvious during free agency, as Peters traded for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, two of the premier players at their respective positions. It was made as much again during the draft, as well, after the Commanders general manager spent four of his five picks on offense, with two coming in the first three selections.
It all makes sense, but the Commanders weren't able to fill a major need in doing so. With all this being said, let's dive into the final grades before we get too far ahead of ourselves.
Round 1, No. 29 overall: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon Ducks
In the immediate, it's warranted to question this pick. Conerly Jr. isn't guaranteed to win the starting right tackle job, though he should. It also remains to be seen how effective Brandon Coleman is if and/or when he's moved to guard. The Commanders could've taken a guy like Donovan Ezeiruaku and he would've immediately fit into the defense as a guy who would obviously compete for a role, but his role wouldn't shake up his entire unit/position group.
But hey, that's a good problem to have with Conerly Jr., who can provide the Commanders with a quality presence at tackle for years to come. He's uber-athletic and has the character traits Washington loves in its players. He needs to improve his play strength, as well as continue to hone and refine his skills, but he has everything needed to make an immediate impact – he just has to go out and do it.
All of these grades are ultimately "wait and see" when it comes to the finality in this context, no matter who the player is. But since this will require multiple parts being moved around, it's impossible to give it an A until we see the final outcome. Still, it's a good pick that should work out.
What hurts the pick ultimately is Conerly Jr. wasn't as big a need as someone like Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was also on the board and has a good chance at becoming a very good player, himself. Sure, Conerly Jr. was the top guy on Peters' board at 29 and that's fine, but the pick definitely came with a sacrifice that could hurt the Commanders defense in the long run.
Grade: B
Round 2, No. 61 overall: Trey Amos, CB, Kentucky Wildcats
Amos is the remedy for the bigger, faster receivers that dominate today's NFL landscape thanks to his combination of size, speed, physicality, and fearlessness. He's willing to play the run, as well, although he can stand to improve his tackling in an overall context.
The key with Amos is he should allow Mike Sainristil to move back inside to nickel, where he's at his best. If Marshon Lattimore can get back to being the guy the Commanders thought they traded for then the cornerback room suddenly looks pretty damn good with Amos, Sainristil, Lattimore, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene leading the way.
A sneaky, fun aspect of the pick will be how Amos' physicality and ability to press at the line of scrimmage matches up with the exotic looks that come with the Commanders' defensive front. There should be plenty of opportunity for big plays thanks to pressured quarterbacks looking to get rid of the ball quickly, only to find there's no one there by the time it's too late.
Grade: B
Round 4, No. 128 overall: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech Hokies
The Commanders have Terry McLaurin, added Deebo Samuel and brought back Noah Brown, but the passing attack was missing a dynamic playmaker that can take one to the house at any moment.
Well, consider that problem solved thanks to their decision to take Jaylin Lane in the fourth round. He's a blazer who ran a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash and he's an exceptional athlete on top of that. He scored six total touchdowns in 2024 that consisted of receiving, rushing, and returning scores, showing off his home-run ability from any role.
He should become a major asset for the Commanders offense -especially in the screen game- and he has the potential to return punts, as well. There's nothing to dislike about this pick.
Grade: A
Round 6, No. 205 overall: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA Bruins
We're officially in the territory where it's impossible to give an all-out A or total F simply because the volatility with each prospect is so high, one would be amiss to sit here and put a definitive label on a prospect/team's decision.
Medrano is a very interesting prospect. He can play the run and cover, but his biggest weakness is one no linebacker wants on their scouting report: tackling. At this point in his career, it's hard to see that improving. It's like accuracy and quarterbacks – at a certain point, you are what you are. Very rarely do fundamentals like that just dramatically improve once a player hits the pros.
Still, he fits what this staff looks for in players at his position and they think they can work with him, which is worth mentioning. Still, it remains to be seen if that happens or not.
Grade: C+
Round 7, No. 245 overall: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona Wildcats
Croskey-Merritt is another player who can take it to the house. He's best in a zone scheme where he can make his cut and go, which matches his slender frame and speedy nature.
He's raw, but that's the case with just about any seventh-round pick. Where he stands out is the fact that none of the other backs are a true home run threat like he is. That will come in handy as he battles for a roster spot over the summer.
Grade: B
Final Word
It's really intriguing to see a team with a defensive-minded head coach build up the offense more than the defense, but hey, that's what happens when you have a guy like Jayden Daniels behind center. It also just adds more credence to Quinn's reputation as a forward-thinking head coach that does what logic says makes sense instead of what he thinks makes sense.
Yes, the Commanders are without a true stud pass rusher as they head into the 2025 season, but they added so much more in the draft that it's hard to walk away with anything but a good feeling about the final results.
Final Grade: B+
Jayden Daniels gets another dynamic playmaker that makes Commanders’ passing attack elite on Day 3 of the draft
The Washington Commanders have wrapped up Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft by adding more players to help on both sides of the ball. The highlight of the day, however, has to be the selection of wide receiver Jaylin Lane in Round 4. That's because this kid is as dynamic as they come. He […]
