3 draft picks Commanders got right in 2025 (and 2 they might regret)

Adam Peters opted for quality over quantity during the 2025 NFL Draft. That was always a realistic scenario for the Washington Commanders, who only had five selections at their disposal heading into the process after some frantic trade activity this offseason.

Peters played his board masterfully, bringing in prospects high on their board rather than focusing too much on roster needs. This strategy proved highly effective during his first draft. The front-office leader is hoping for similar prosperity this time around.

Not every pick is going to work out. The Commanders got some outstanding returns from their first draft class, but it's a year-to-year league. And considering this once-demoralized franchise harbors lofty Super Bowl ambitions next season, the incoming rookies must hit the ground running.

Some will thrive under intense pressure. Others will take a little extra time. There's also the chance one of Washington's undrafted free agent group comes to the fore much quicker than expected. There's just no telling for sure at this early stage.

Before we look ahead, here are three draft picks the Commanders got right in 2025, and two they might regret when push comes to shove.

Draft picks the Commanders got right in 2025, and two they might regret

Got Right

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

Adam Peters made the Washington Commanders' fan base wait for running back assistance. They were clamoring for more in the backfield after watching the ground game regress last season. After biding his time, the general manager secured Jacory Croskey-Merritt at No. 245 overall.

This brings more intrigue than most seventh-round picks. Croskey-Merritt went under the radar thanks in no small part to the NCAA revoking his eligibility just one game into his transfer to Arizona. Not even winning Offensive MVP at the East-West Shrine Bowl was enough to turn the tide.

That wasn't an opinion shared by the Commanders. They spent considerable time with Croskey-Merritt during their pre-draft assessments. Peters was suitably impressed, and he knew there was value to be had with his final selection.

Croskey-Merritt might be a seventh-round afterthought, but he's not acting like it. The player wants to carve out an instant role for himself. He wants to shake up the running back unit and make up for some lost time. Judging by the positive reports from Washington's rookie minicamp, things are looking up.

Expecting miracles right away where Croskey-Merritt is concerned would be foolish. But don't be surprised if he ends up being a surprise most teams don't see coming in the not-too-distant future.

Could Regret

Kain Medrano - Commanders LB

The Washington Commanders were widely expected to take an edge rusher at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters resisted the temptation, which represents a gamble unless another productive option comes on board before competitive action commences.

One of the more eye-catching picks made by Washington was Kain Medrano. The linebacker boasts some intriguing athletic attributes, and he tested phenomenally at the NFL Scouting Combine to further raise optimism. This pick also came with a glowing reference from Ken Norton Jr., who worked closely with the player at UCLA.

Medrano is an unpolished diamond. Some serious tackling flaws will get exposed in the pros without the correct development over the summer. He must enhance the conviction in his angles against the run and develop more counter moves when engaged with blockers. Anything less comes with severe consequences attached.

The Commanders will bring Medrano along gradually. They have Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner manning the defensive second level next season, which gives the rookie time to grow. Until then, he'll be utilized on special teams and could excel in this area.

It was a strange direction to take. If Medrano doesn't end up being productive, there will be a tinge of regret that Peters didn't go with an alternative.

Got Right

Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR

Making sure Jayden Daniels has everything needed to take his game to new heights was a huge objective for Adam Peters this offseason. Looking at the way he's gone about his business, one cannot be anything other than impressed by the new additions.

Washington's offensive trenches look assured. Peters also acquired Deebo Samuel Sr. via trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Considering this only cost the Commanders a fifth-round selection, it could be a bargain of epic proportions if the All-Pro embraces this exciting new challenge.

Peters never settles. He is always looking for upgrades to bolster competition. Another fine example of this arrived at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft when the Commanders selected explosive playmaker Jaylin Lane out of Virginia Tech.

This move was met with widespread approval among analysts. Lane is a firecracker with the football in his hands. He's also got the speed required to stretch the field, although improving his play strength would be wise before Week 1 rolls around.

Lane's stock fell because his skills weren't utilized correctly within the Hokies' offense in 2024. That won't be a problem in Washington with Kliff Kingsbury leading the charge. The wide receiver should also be a massive influence in the kick return game from the moment he steps onto an NFL field.

Could Regret

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

Adam Peters couldn't believe his luck when Trey Amos was available at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders contemplated taking the physically imposing cornerback with their first-round pick, so it represented a can't-miss opportunity late in the second.

Most analysts were bemused by Amos' steep drop down the pecking order. He was widely expected to be a first-rounder after the player's outstanding college career at Ole Miss. It didn't take long for information to arrive regarding his draft slide.

Jeremy Fowler from ESPN revealed that a back issue came up during Amos' medical assessments. This was later confirmed by the player and head coach Dan Quinn. Neither seemed particularly concerned, but it was enough to put a lot of teams off from taking the plunge.

From a talent standpoint, Amos looks like the perfect fit. His size, ability to thrive in press-man situations, and high-end reactions are tailor-made for Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system. If everything goes well during Washington's preparations for the upcoming campaign, he'll start right away as Marshon Lattimore's partner on the boundary.

Hopes are high that Amos can be a genuine draft steal. But if this back issue rears its ugly head at any stage, questions will be asked.

Got Right

Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT

Not many thought the Commanders would select an offensive lineman at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters pulled off a blockbuster trade for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, so fans were anticipating the general manager to address other areas with his first-rounder.

Peters had other ideas. The front-office leader always looks to take the best prospects, regardless of need. When someone extremely high on his list of options became available, he didn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Josh Conerly Jr. was that guy. The Oregon offensive tackle has outstanding credentials. His footwork is already NFL-ready, and he displays quickness and reactions that defy a man his size. Some analysts believe he'll be an All-Pro-caliber guard in the pros, but his athleticism and technical prowess suggest he can carve out a successful career for himself on the edge.

The Commanders will give Conerly a chance to become the team's starter at right tackle as a rookie. If the coaching staff is satisfied with his transition, this has the makings of a bookend edge protection tandem for quarterback Jayden Daniels to depend upon.

It's not hard to see why the Commanders were so high on Conerly, resisting trade-down offers and some other gifted prospects available at the time. Hopefully, this faith will be repaid quickly.

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