Criticized Commanders draft pick silencing doubters one camp practice at a time

The Washington Commanders didn't have many draft picks in 2025 thanks to some frantic trade activity throughout the offseason. However, the early signs indicate that general manager Adam Peters has maximized every one of them.

Each of his five picks has caught the eye at various stages of the offseason. They are shining brightly at training camp, which does nothing to decrease expectations regarding their immediate outlook in Year 1 of their professional careers.

Some have higher hopes on their shoulders than others. But for one criticized choice, he's already set about silencing his doubters in the best possible way.

Kain Medrano was an odd pick; there's no getting away from that. The former UCLA linebacker displayed significant flaws in college, but his athleticism is absolutely off the charts. His exceptional testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, coupled with his already developed connection to Washington's linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., was enough for Peters to take the plunge.

Kain Medrano is building confidence and making plays at Commanders training camp

Nobody is expecting much from Medrano. He's a development project until further notice, although his physical gifts can become an immediate asset on special teams. Finding the right position is key, which could be at the defensive second level or as a box safety if the coaching staff shifts his responsibilities slightly.

The Commanders are taking things slowly with Medrano. He's splitting time between the second and third-string defenses over the opening stages of camp. This was expected, but that hasn't stopped the rookie upstart from making his presence felt.

Washington's sixth day of camp was arguably his best. Medrano came up with a few big plays that didn't go unnoticed by those in attendance. These included a pass breakup intended for tight end Colson Yankoff and an interception off quarterback Sam Hartman on the very next play.

That's the best way to get noticed.

It might not sound like much in the grand scheme of things, but this is a massive confidence boost for Medrano. Building on it is crucial as camp progresses, and the Commanders would be wise to get him heavily involved in the preseason for some valuable experience in an NFL game-day setting.

If he passes these tests with flying colors, the No. 205 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft might be able to impact the defensive rotation much sooner than expected. Whether that's as a linebacker or at safety remains unclear, but Medrano will be ready to help in any way the coaching staff desires.

Medrano is off to a good start. What comes next is more important, but it's hard to ignore the ever-growing momentum.

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