It’s not even training camp but Commanders rookie hype is already out of control

This is a time for hype and dreaming big around the league.

Fans are starved of football and believe their team is capable of anything, regardless of what unfolded during the previous campaign. That bears more significance for the Washington Commanders, who emerged from obscurity to reach the NFC Championship game in their first season under head coach Dan Quinn.

Expectations are high for everybody in the building. But for one incoming rookie, it's getting a little out of control.

The Commanders believe they got a genuine steal at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft when Trey Amos fell into their lap. The gifted cornerback was considered by general manager Adam Peters in the first round, so to secure his services at the end of the second was astonishing.

There was a reason. Reports of a back issue surfaced during Amos' pre-draft medical assessments. It was enough to see his stock fall considerably, but it wasn't enough to overly concern the Commanders.

Trey Amos will experience inevitable growing pains during rookie Commanders season

Amos has a big chip on his shoulder, and he's already working tirelessly to silence his doubters. The imposing defensive back has lived up to expectations so far, consistently catching the eye throughout Washington's offseason program, further whetting the appetite before training camp.

If the same trend continues, Amos will be heavily involved right out of the gate. That's the best-case scenario for all parties, but approaching his first year in the pros cautiously would be prudent.

The cornerback spot is notoriously difficult. It's an exceptionally tough transition for incoming pros. The margins get finer, and the competition gets tougher. Even the slightest error of judgment can lead to big plays and touchdowns conceded where elite-level NFL pass-catchers are concerned.

While the former Ole Miss standout has the physical profile to become impactful as the campaign progresses, asking him to be the second coming of Darrell Green is unfair and unrealistic in equal measure. Fortunately for the Commanders, they have a solid group of veteran players capable of picking up the slack if things don't go according to plan initially.

Amos is a good player. He's got the physical scope typically associated with defensive backs in Quinn's system, but there will be growing pains. Taking the rough with the smooth is critical early on. Hopefully, the Commanders have enough around the second-round pick to limit the risk of major complications.

Time will tell on that one.

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