General manager Adam Peters put the finishing touches on his second draft with the Washington Commanders on Saturday, selecting Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. Croskey-Merritt was one of five players Washington drafted. The Commanders were without multiple picks due to trades for veterans Marshon Lattimore, Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil.
Washington entered the draft needing to fill some holes. Most believed that finding an edge rusher was the most significant need. The Commanders disagreed, choosing to fill other needs on both sides of the ball.
So, how did Washington do in the 2025 NFL draft? We grade all five of the Commanders’ picks.
Round 1, No. 29: LT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Grade: A
This offseason was all about protecting Jayden Daniels. By trading for Tunsil and drafting Conerly, you’ve improved three positions. Last year’s left tackle, Brandon Coleman, likely moves inside to guard, where many believe has has Pro Bowl potential. Washington already has Sam Cosmi at right guard, and he’s outstanding. Unfortunately, he’ll miss some time next season as he recovers from knee surgery. In his space, former right tackle Andrew Wylie likely plays right guard. Tyler Biadasz has the center position locked up. Washington wanted to upgrade its offensive line this offseason and did so in a major way.
Round 2, No. 61: CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Grade: A
We gave Washington an A for Conerly, and we’re doing the same for Amos. The Commanders loved Amos and were considering him in the first round. When he makes it all the way to No. 61 overall, that’s tremendous value. Two of Washington’s primary needs were more offensive line help and a cornerback. Peters landed two high-level prospects at positions of need with his first two picks.
Round 4, No. 128: WR Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
Grade: A
Another A for the Commanders. Some believed Lane was a Day 2 pick, even a high Day 2 pick. His college production could have been so much more, but Virginia Tech’s offensive structure and quarterback play left plenty to be desired. Still, the Hokies used Lane in many different ways. Lane has elite speed and change-of-direction ability. He has the versatility to play inside or outside and is an excellent punt returner. Lane immediately becomes Washington’s top punt returner and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will have fun incorporating Lane into the offense.
Round 6, No. 205: LB Kain Medrano, UCLA
Grade: A-
Medrano is an excellent athlete who improved every year in college. He’s also a former team captain. These are things Peters and head coach Dan Quinn love. He has good size (6-foot-3, 222). Logan Paulsen hinted months back that Medrano could play “big nickel” or even safety at the next level. The only complaint here: Why not take Virginia Tech EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland? The All-American pass rusher went one pick later to the Eagles. That’s no knock on Medrano, though. A value pick who can learn from Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.
Round 7, No. 245: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
Grade: A
The Commanders always wanted to come away from this draft with a running back. They interviewed several backs ahead of the draft, from potential first-rounders to potential undrafted gems. Croskey-Merritt was among those players, and Washington took advantage of a deep class by landing Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. Croskey-Merritt has solid size and excellent speed. He has tremendous vision. Croskey-Merritt can serve as a change-of-pace back for the Commanders in 2024 and could have a larger role in 2025.
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