4 winners (and 1 loser) from Commanders rookie minicamp in 2025

Rookie minicamp was only the opening step for first-year Washington Commanders players on their professional journey. However, they only get one chance to make a good first impression.

The Commanders have higher standards than ever following their incredible run to the NFC Championship game. Those coming in to help get this ambitious project over the hump don't have much wigglle room. They need to showcase the tools at their disposal to gain involvement in some capacity right out of the gate.

Some will be tasked with more responsibilities than others. Some will wilt under the extreme pressure. Others will thrive, giving the coaching staff plenty to ponder as preparations for the 2025 campaign unfold.

Dan Quinn was suitably impressed with how things went at the rookie minicamp. Concerns were alleviated, everyone gave their all, and the Commanders could even have a few nice surprises on their hands if the same trend continues over the summer.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are four winners and one unfortunate loser from Washington's annual rookie minicamp.

Winners and losers from the Commanders' rookie minicamp in 2025

Winner No. 1

Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR

There's a growing sense around the league that the Washington Commanders could have a genuine steal with Jaylin Lane. The wide receiver's blend of speed, elusiveness, and yards after the catch prowess is not normally found at No. 128 overall in the draft. The hesitation of others could be Adam Peters' gain when it's all said and done.

Lane is eager to carve out a role for himself. He wants to push his way onto the offensive rotation immediately. It's a crowded receiver room right now, but there's nothing to suggest he cannot achieve this objective with a clear run of luck on the injury front.

The former Virginia Tech standout wasted no time. Lane was among the top performers over Washington's minicamp, according to those in attendance. His slick route-running, explosiveness out of his cuts, and ability to stretch the field were evident throughout drills.

This is a good start, but no more than that. Lane must maintain and enhance these early standards when it's time for Washington's first-year group to link up with the veterans.

Developing a strong chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels and soaking up every piece of knowledge from Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. would be a good place to start. After that, it's seizing every target and rep that comes his way.

Lane has talent. And this was a good opening outing.

Winner No. 2

Gabe Taylor

There was no questioning the most heartwarming story from the Washington Commanders' rookie minicamp this year. That, of course, was the presence of former Rice safety Gabe Taylor.

He's the brother of legendary former Washington safety Sean Taylor, who was tragically killed during a robbery gone wrong at the age of 24 with the NFL world at his feet. He remains idolized by fans to this day, so everyone was rooting for his sibling to make an impression during the two-day tryout.

This was a lifelong dream come true for Taylor, one that filled the player with emotion and ambition in equal measure. According to those watching, the defensive back was explosive, played extremely fast, and made a positive impression on the coaching staff along the way.

That's all Taylor could have done. Everything else was out of his hands. Whether he earns a contract with the team or not, he can walk away with his head held high, knowing that his brother will be looking down with a big, approving smile on his face.

The Commanders aren't in the business of emotional attachment to their roster construction. But Taylor couldn't have done much more in his quest to earn an extended stay in Washington.

Winner No. 3

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

Considering Jacory Croskey-Merritt was only a seventh-round pick, there is an enormous amount of intrigue surrounding his hopes of carving out an immediate role for himself. The Commanders believe they've found something in the running back, which is a sentiment echoed by several respected analysts around the media.

That sounds good, but proving it in a pressurized setting is much more difficult. Croskey-Merritt comes to Washington highly motivated after the NCAA revoked his eligibility one game into the 2024 campaign. This chip on his shoulder should serve him well, and he got off to a tremendous start during the team's rookie minicamp.

Croskey-Merritt was as advertised. He's decisive, boasts outstanding footwork, and has the initial explosiveness seldom seen with seventh-round selections. There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but the East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP has the tools needed to shake up the running back depth chart instantly.

Tempering expectations would be wise. Croskey-Merritt is the No. 245 pick who must start from the bottom. The Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. if he needs some extra time to develop. But the opportunity is there to stake a claim.

This was a solid first step for Croskey-Merritt. But make no mistake, what comes next is more important.

Loser No. 1

Trey Rucker

The margin for error is razor-thin for undrafted free agents. They must flash immediately and give the coaching staff something to think about. Increasing curiosity is the primary objective. Anything less comes with grave consequences attached.

It's a sizable task. One that Trey Rucker unfortunately couldn't meet when push came to shove.

The Washington Commanders didn't see enough to build confidence around the versatile secondary player. He was released soon after rookie minicamp concluded, which is a damning indictment of how those in power perceive his ability.

Rucker was always facing an uphill battle. The defensive back was slightly undersized for the safety spot. He had some decent college production at Oklahoma State, but this is a different level entirely.

The Commanders aren't going to wait around on the off chance that unheralded rookies can pick things up. If the coaching staff isn't entirely convinced, they'll cut them loose. Whatever happened with Rucker over minicamp, it gave his defensive coaches enough cause to remove him from the equation with little fanfare attached.

What the future holds for Rucker is unclear. Perhaps he'll catch on somewhere else. Perhaps going to the CFL or UFL could provide the springboard to another opportunity. But his NFL dream just got much harder to reach.

Winner No. 4

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

There was fresh concern about Trey Amos heading into Washington's rookie minicamp. Revelations regarding why the physical cornerback fell to No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft centered on a back issue that came up during his medical assessments. That provided some doubt among the fanbase, especially given the health problems around four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore last season.

These fears were alleviated at minicamp. Amos looked the part during drills, according to those in attendance. He's a fluid mover with an aggressive approach that's hard not to love. The former Ole Miss star is also confident the problem won't impact his ability to make a prolonged impact over his NFL journey.

This also provoked a response from Dan Quinn. The head coach acknowledged there was a back issue that came up, but there wasn't much of an issue based on his comments. Considering how thoroughly the front office approaches everything with general manager Adam Peters leading the charge, confidence is high.

Amos has a big chip on his shoulder after the projected first-round pick fell late into the second round. The Commanders have faith that he can fulfill his promise and become an imposing boundary presence who thrives in press coverage. Keeping an eye on his health would be wise, but all signs are pointing up.

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