Commanders have a rookie breakout brewing (and the vets are starting to believe)

The Washington Commanders didn't have many draft assets after some frantic trade activity throughout the offseason. Adam Peters made every pick count, and there's a growing sense that the club has a rookie breakout brewing after offseason workouts.

More importantly, some prominent veterans are starting to believe the hype, too.

Most analysts thought Peters would trade down for more capital early in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Commanders thought offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. was too good to turn down at No. 29 overall. They adopted the same approach when cornerback Trey Amos somehow fell through the cracks and into their laps at No. 61.

Peters couldn't believe his luck. He contemplated taking Amos with his first-rounder but got a gift from the football gods in the second round instead. His dramatic slide came courtesy of a back issue that cropped up during his pre-draft medical assessments. There's been no sign of that so far, and the defensive back is off to an imposing start in pursuit of a pivotal early role.

Marshon Lattimore sees something special in Commanders rookie Trey Amos

Amos caught the eye throughout Washington's offseason program. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. were among those who praised the Ole Miss product. He also got a notable seal of approval from four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who believes his teammate is only going to get better with more experience.

His technique is there. From what I can see…he looks complete. He's a rookie, and it's early, but throughout the season, I feel like he's going to keep that up and get better as the season goes.Marshon Lattimore via Commanders.com

This is high praise. Lattimore knows what a good corner looks like. For him to call Amos the total package does nothing to diminish the expectations around his potential influence in Year 1 of his professional career.

Amos is taking nothing for granted. He's got a big chip on his shoulder after being overlooked, and he's putting it to good use. His steely resolve and determination slotted into Washington's locker room culture seamlessly. If the same momentum continues at training camp and when preseason reps come his way, it would be surprising if he didn't get heavily involved in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Proving himself in a competitive setting in one of the hardest positions to make a smooth transition will be difficult. But there's no doubt Amos is making believers of everyone within the Commanders.

Hopefully, this is something that continues long into the future.

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