Draft Class Delivered: How the Commanders Maximised Every Pick

Draft Class Delivered: How the Commanders Maximised Every Pick

Setting the Scene

The 2025 NFL Draft posed a unique challenge for Washington’s front office: a scarcity of draft capital. Yet, fans were left nodding in approval when the final pick was made. Grading the class with an overall A, the Commanders struck gold in every round. Here’s how they did it.

Strengthening the Trenches

Tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (No. 72) – Grade: A
An athletic tackle from Oregon, Conerly Jr., provides the kind of uplift Washington desperately needs on the offensive line. Known for his quick feet and versatile anchoring ability, he’s already turning heads in rookie camp. With him protecting the blindside, the offence can breathe easier.

Cornerback Trey Amos (No. 23) – Grade: A
A lockdown corner from Ole Miss, Amos is a classic steal in Round 2. His agility and ball-hawking instincts translate immediately to special teams and nickel packages. Expect him to challenge veteran receivers right away.

Adding Playmakers and Depth

Wide Receiver Jaylin Lane (No. 83) – Grade: B+
Selected at the start of Round 4, Lane brings explosive speed as a wide receiver. Though raw in route running, his contested-catch ability and special teams upside make him a solid pick. He may need a season of polish, but the upside is there.

Linebacker Kain Medrano (No. 56) – Grade: A-
A sideline-to-sideline linebacker from UCLA, Medrano arrived in Round 6 as the kind of high-motor player every defence loves. He reads plays quickly and fills gaps with authority, offering immediate rotational depth.

Running Back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (No. 32) – Grade: A+
The seventh-round flyer on Croskey-Merritt was a masterstroke. This workhorse running back from Arizona is a tackling machine in the return game and shows excellent vision between the tackles. He’s a special teams ace waiting to happen, and could carve out a role in goal-line packages before the season’s end.

Why It Matters for UK Fans

Commanders fans in the UK can take heart: despite limited choices, this draft class delivers a blend of immediate starters and developmental treasures. As the team heads into training camp, keep an eye on these names—they embody the resilience London supporters admire.