One insanely bold rookie prediction for every Commanders 2025 draft pick

Adam Peters didn't have much to work with during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders' bombshell trade activity that began with cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline left the general manager with just five picks at his disposal. Using them wisely was key, which he achieved with minimal fuss.

The Commanders focused on quality additions rather than reaching for needs. Peters adopted this strategy last offseason with great success. He opted for the same again after watching the squad he assembled achieve so much during the previous campaign.

Everything is seemingly in place for Washington to build on a season that will live long in the memory of every fan. The incoming recruits must hit the ground running, but confidence is high. If the Commanders can also unearth a couple of gems from their undrafted free-agent class, they'll be in a strong spot.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, we made one bold rookie prediction for every Commanders' draft pick in 2025.

One insanely bold rookie prediction for every Commanders' 2025 draft pick

Commanders drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt

• Bold prediction: RB1 by Week 6. 800 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.

Fans were demanding more at the running back position. They had to wait, but the Washington Commanders added one of the more intriguing options available with their final selection at No. 245 overall.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is an interesting case. The gifted backfield threat was treated extremely harshly by the NCAA in 2024. He got his eligibility revoked after transferring to Arizona, which ended his contribution almost before it began, after just one game.

This saw his draft stock plummet along the way. Croskey-Merritt became an afterthought due to his lack of involvement last season. Adam Peters wanted to find out more, spending considerable time with the prospect during Washington's comprehensive pre-draft assessments.

He was suitably impressed. Croskey-Merritt is a powerful, one-cut slasher running back who could help set the tone. He's starting from the bottom, but there's an opportunity to impose himself right out of the gate.

There are questions about Washington's running back room. The offense became too reliant on quarterback Jayden Daniels to gain yards on the ground over the second half of 2024 and into the playoffs. Peters kept faith the the likes of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, but Croskey-Merritt's arrival could shake things up considerably.

Croskey-Merritt will have his sights set on immediate involvement. He is eager to make up for lost time, so don't be surprised if the fledgling NFL hopeful accomplishes this objective quickly.

Commanders drafted Kain Medrano

• Bold prediction: 40 tackles, 2 sacks. Becomes a focal point on special teams immediately.

There weren't many surprises from the Washington Commanders' standpoint during the draft. Almost every pick came with an approving nod from media and fans alike. There was one eyebrow-raiser, which centered on linebacker Kain Medrano coming on board.

Medrano is a supremely gifted athlete. The former UCLA star was among the top overall performers at the NFL Scouting Combine, which gave Adam Peters enough conviction to get him into the fold to see if these outstanding traits can be molded into something more.

This pick also came highly recommended within the building. Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. knows Medrano well from their time together on the Bruins. If the respected figure believes he has what it takes, that should carry a ton of weight.

There's no doubt Medrano is a work in progress. His tackling technique needs significant refinement. His angles to oncoming runners need polishing to avoid complications when the margins get much finer in the pros. Having a previous connection to Norton will help, and the incoming rookie would be wise to soak up any information from Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu to aid his progress.

If Medrano can pick things up quickly and make his presence felt on special teams immediately, that should be enough to silence his doubters.

Commanders drafted Jaylin Lane

• Bold prediction: 40 catches, 450 receiving yards. Pro Bowl consideration as a kick returner.

The Commanders were on the lookout for another wide receiver to assist quarterback Jayden Daniels at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters bided his time and was rewarded when Jaylin Lane fell into his lap.

This addition brings significant intrigue. The Commanders didn't have a great need at the wideout spot. Even so, the Virginia Tech product's blend of speed, elusiveness, and ball skills made him well worth a gamble on Day 3.

Lane isn't the biggest from a physical standpoint. However, he thrives with the football in his hands. He's a dynamic yards-after-the-catch threat who knows how to get open quickly in the short-to-intermediate areas. He's also got the speed to stretch coverages and blow past defenders in the open field.

It's a crowded receiver room, but Lane can impose himself on the rotation with a smooth transition. The Commanders will also put his athleticism to good use in the return game, which is an overlooked element of the equation that played a leading role in Washington going in this direction.

If Lane can get somewhere in the 40 catches for 450 receiving yards marker as a rookie, in addition to gaining Pro Bowl consideration as a kick returner, the better Washington's chances will be.

Commanders drafted Trey Amos

• Bold prediction: Day 1 starter, five INTs as a rookie.

The Washington Commanders considered taking Trey Amos with their first-round pick according to general manager Adam Peters. When the physically imposing cornerback was somehow available at No. 61 overall, the decision was relatively straightforward.

Just why Amos fell so far down the pecking order is anyone's guess. The Commanders weren't complaining, that's for sure. And being overlooked until Washington ended his slide is only going to motivate the Ole Miss graduate further upon joining the professional ranks.

There is an opportunity for Amos to make an immediate impact. He's got the size and length Dan Quinn looks for in his perimeter corners. A smooth transition could see him start on Day 1 opposite Marshon Lattimore, which would see Mike Sainristil move back into the nickel spot where he thrived in college and over the early stages of the campaign.

Ron Rivera thought he was getting a ballhawk in Emmanuel Forbes Jr. That pick was an unmitigated disaster, but Amos' three outstanding interceptions with the Rebels last season suggest he can become the opportunistic presence the Commanders have craved.

If Amos can secure starting responsibilities right out of the gate and five interceptions as a rookie, that represents the best possible foundation from which to build.

Commanders drafted Josh Conerly Jr.

• Bold prediction: Day 1 right tackle, 3 sacks allowed.

The Commanders went against the grain with their first-round pick at No. 29 overall. Adam Peters was widely expected to move back and received several offers to do so. He stood pat thanks in no small part to Josh Conerly Jr. being available when Washington went on the clock.

Peters was anxiously watching Conerly's status. The front-office leader thought the offensive tackle could go higher based on his assessments. When the former Oregon standout was there for the taking, he didn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's message to Peters about wanting the edge protector didn't go unnoticed. This also fits into Washington's major offseason priority, which centered on surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with everything needed to excel further before it gets much more expensive to keep him around.

Conerly is embracing the challenge of keeping Washington's franchise player clean in the pocket. He's got the potential to form a bookend tackle tandem with Laremy Tunsil, although adding some extra play strength throughout the summer would help greatly.

If Conerly can become a Day 1 starter at right tackle and man the position for the next decade or more, it'll vindicate Peters' decision to avoid other avenues with his first-round selection.

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