One NFL-ready trait each Commanders' 2025 draft pick already flashes

Adam Peters only had five picks during the 2025 NFL Draft. Considering the limited resources at his disposal, the Washington Commanders got some good returns despite resisting trade-down offers early in the process.

And each member of Washington's 2025 draft class already has one NFL-ready trait to build upon moving forward.

The Commanders needed to find some immediate difference-makers from the college ranks. Their Super Bowl window is open, and Peters's aggressive nature over the offseason meant being more selective was crucial. Spending his picks wisely, playing the board effectively, and trusting his assessments brought some decent prospects into the fold. Now, it's a case of proving themselves in a professional setting.

Hopes are high. The Commanders' draft class has been largely well-received by fans and media alike. There were some questionable decisions — not taking an edge rusher is right at the top — but the team's supporters have complete faith in Peters and trust his roster construction.

That said, here is one NFL-ready trait that each Commanders' draft pick in 2025 already flashes.

One NFL-ready trait each Commanders draft pick already flashes

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB

• NFL-ready trait: Gap exploitation

The Washington Commanders made their fans wait until the team's last pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for running back help. Adam Peters took Jacory Croskey-Merritt at No. 245 overall, which comes with significant intrigue despite his rocky road to the pro ranks.

Croskey-Merritt had his eligibility revoked by the NCAA after just one game with the Arizona Wildcats. This was extremely harsh by all accounts, but it made the player even more determined to seize his NFL moment when it eventually arrived.

The Commanders spent plenty of time examining Croskey-Merritt's credentials in greater detail throughout their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. They were suitably impressed, and there's a growing sense around the media that Washington could have a steal on its hands.

While Croskey-Merritt doesn't have the elite-level speed, it's sufficient. One thing that already looks NFL-ready regarding his production is gap exploitation when opportunities arise.

There's a lot to like about Croskey-Merritt's conviction. He's a one-cut slasher who runs with aggression and purpose. His physicality can make people miss, and the player's contact balance is improving rapidly.

If Croskey-Merritt can hit the ground running this offseason (pun intended), the Commanders could utilize him in the backfield rotation immediately. That represents the best-case scenario considering the current questions around players like Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.

Kain Medrano - Commanders LB

• NFL-ready trait: Explosiveness in pursuit

The Washington Commanders saw something in Kain Medrano that they believe can be molded into a decent performer over time. Taking a linebacker over an edge rusher at this stage was a contentious issue among the fanbase, so it'll be interesting to see if the former UCLA standout can repay this faith.

Medrano comes highly recommended. His old coaches at the Bruins raved about his work ethic and athleticism. He also spent time working with Ken Norton Jr., who joined Washington's staff last season as linebackers coach.

That provides some confidence in his credentials. However, there is a lot of hard work ahead.

Medrano's tackling technique needs significant refinement. He missed way too many tackles in college, which could prove complicated when the margins get finer in the pros. His athletic scores were exceptional at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, but putting it all together consistently remains complicated.

If there was one thing Medrano has going for him as a rookie, it's explosiveness in pursuit. He's got the short-area quickness needed to close space quickly. If the tackling improves and his angles to the ball carrier become more disciplined, he might be able to carve out a rotational role for himself as the campaign progresses.

If not, perhaps a switch into the box safety role is something to consider.

Jaylin Lane - Commanders WR

• NFL-ready trait: Yards after catch creativity

Adding more to quarterback Jayden Daniels' supporting cast was the biggest priority above all else for the Commanders this offseason. Adam Peters knows he's got a special player on his hands. Doing everything possible to maximize his rookie contract before things get much more expensive to keep him around is the primary goal.

This didn't stop during the draft. The Commanders bided their time for another receiver, but they found high value with Jaylin Lane at No. 128 overall.

Ryan Fowler from The Draft Network reported that the wideout had an early second-round grade before being mismanaged over his final season with Virginia Tech. Linking up with play-caller extraordinaire Kliff Kingsbury should see improvements arrive quickly.

Lane has the speed to impact proceedings at all three levels of the field. He'll likely play more in the slot initially, but there's nothing to suggest he cannot go outside in motion when mismatch opportunities present themselves.

Until Lane enhances his route tree and becomes more effective in traffic, the Commanders can utilize his yards after the catch creativity. He's an electrifying weapon with the football in his hands, boasting a unique blend of elusiveness and explosiveness to take the smallest completions for big gains. Kingsbury will know exactly how to maximize the player's attributes, make no mistake about that.

Trey Amos - Commanders CB

• NFL-ready trait: Press coverage

The Washington Commanders considered taking Trey Amos with their first-round pick at No. 29 overall. When the physically imposing cornerback was somehow available at No. 61 late in the second round, Adam Peters wasn't going to turn down a can't-miss opportunity.

Amos adds a different dimension to the Commanders' secondary. He's tall, agile, physical, and everything in between. Teams rarely tested him over his final college campaign at Ole Miss, something that Rebels' head coach Lane Kiffin believes hurt his stock considerably.

That worked in the Commanders' favor. Amos has the tools needed to be a major asset on the boundary opposite Marshon Lattimore. This will also allow second-year pro Mike Sainristil to spend more time in the slot, which is where most believe his skills to be most effective.

There will be some rookie growing pains. Most first-year cornerbacks go through them aside from the truly elite, such as Sauce Gardner and Patrick Surtain II. But looking at the player's credentials in press coverage, he could help immediately if everything goes according to plan this summer.

Amos jams receivers at the line of scrimmage superbly. He can get them off their routes and impose his physical will from start to finish. That will be more difficult versus high-level competition every week, but he's more than capable of making his presence felt.

Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT

• NFL-ready trait: Footwork

Fortifying the trenches around quarterback Jayden Daniels was a key objective for the Commanders this offseason. Trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was a bombshell of epic proportions. That didn't stop general manager Adam Peters from using his first-round selection on another promising edge protector.

It was an anxious wait for Peters, who wasn't entirely convinced that Josh Conerly Jr. would be around at No. 29 overall. He didn't have the ammunition to move up, but the football gods shone in his favor. And the Commanders didn't hesitate to bring him on board.

Conerly is eager to impress. He endeared himself to the fans immediately by changing his X (formerly Twitter) cover photo to the legendary Hogs who once dominated the trenches in Washington. He's also got the athletic tools needed to be the team's starting right tackle from Week 1.

Adding some play strength would be smart as the preparation period gathers pace. The former Oregon star is technically sound, but his footwork is something that sets him apart from most offensive tackles in this class.

The quick change of direction and ability to mirror oncoming edge rushers are traits where Conerly shines. He's not the finished article, but having this critical area already refined enough to make a difference is only going to help his cause.