Commanders' rookie is suddenly talk of the nation after stunning camp breakout

One would be hard-pressed to find a more impressive player at training camp than Trey Amos. The Washington Commanders got instant returns from the rookie cornerback during a seamless transition to the pros, and his incredible efforts are starting to get the national attention fans demanded.

The Commanders thought they'd found a steal when Amos slipped through the cracks and into their lap at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This had nothing to do with his talent; it was a back issue that popped up during his medical assessments that caused teams to go in different directions.

Adam Peters was comfortable enough with the prognosis to take the plunge. The fact that he considered doing it at No. 29 overall before Josh Conerly Jr. was still on the board is a testament to how highly they thought of Amos.

Trey Amos' seamless Commanders transition is already gaining national plaudits

He's repaying this faith so far. Amos has barely put a foot wrong throughout the summer. He instantly won the starting spot on the boundary opposite Marshon Lattimore, displaying assured coverage and physicality against the run. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have raved about his consistency, and they know a thing or two about what a good NFL defensive back looks like.

Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports thought there was nobody standing out more than Amos. Although there will be some growing pains along the way, the analyst believes he is well on course to become a prominent feature from the moment he steps into the regular-season setting.

The second-round rookie out of Ole Miss (by way of Louisiana and Alabama) was one of the few bright spots in the preseason Week 1 blowout loss to the Patriots. That continued the strong work he's put in during training camp. [Trey] Amos' presence has also allowed Mike Sainristil to move to his more natural inside cornerback position, and Sainristil has had a strong camp, too. Rookie cornerbacks go through plenty of trials and tribulations, but Amos very much looks the part of a major contributor from Day 1.Zachary Pereles

Rookie cornerbacks tend to go through more adjustments than most. However, Amos is hitting every target and passing every test to date. He's also got a sound supporting cast around him, which could make the Commanders' cornerback unit among the league's best in 2025.

Tempering expectations around Amos is becoming difficult. He'll get the strongest measuring stick so far versus the Cincinnati Bengals' wideout tandem of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on Monday Night Football. If he manages to hold his own against this dynamic tandem, it's all systems go.

And there's just no telling how big an impact that could have on Washington's defensive fortunes.

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