Bobby Wagner is still one of the best linebackers in the game today despite being a 34-year-old leader on the Washington Commanders.
That doesn't mean the Commanders are dumb for looking after some potential replacements for the aging veteran. After a successful first season in Washington, Wagner is looking to prolong his career for as long as possible.
The Commanders will give that to him. They'll also have his replacement ready in the wings.
While the burgundy and gold made just five picks during the 2025 draft last week, one of those picks was for an off-ball linebacker.
UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano was selected with the 205th overall pick in the sixth round by Washington. It was a pick that has been universally celebrated ever since.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler broke down this week why Medrano may just be one of the steals of the entire draft class.
"The Commanders are set at linebacker for 2025, but Medrano will provide much needed depth — and I’ll bet he makes a name for himself as a rookie special-teamer,'' Brugler wrote.
Can we predict Medrano is the next Wagner?
That's a bit much. But ...
Washington has done a good job of finding late-round diamonds in the rough over the last couple of years. It is a testament to their new regime that has turned around the organization seemingly overnight.
One of the ways to continue that success is by finding quality players who can develop under aging veterans.
That is precisely what the Commanders hope will happen with Medrano and Wagner moving forward.
