Every rookie in the NFL wants to see the field in his first season. That's the ultimate goal, right? Not to simply get drafted, but to actually play in the NFL and make an impact. But not every rookie is capable of that; some players take time to develop before they're ready for the NFL field, and some players spend their entire careers on the practice squad. It's not just about talent; it's also about fit, the team's scheme, and football IQ.
This year, the Washington Commanders drafted players on both sides of the ball who look to make a splash in 2025, and PFF recently put rookies into three categories for earning a starting spot by Week 1: Virtual locks, on the cusp, and could win a competition.
On the offensive side of the ball, tackle Josh Conerly Jr. was listed as a player who is on the cusp of earning a starting role.
(Matthew) Golden and (Jack) Bech will have to earn starting wide receiver spots through some level of competition, but they should be considered early favorites. The same goes for Conerly and (Jonah) Savaiinaea on teams desperate for pass protection, but they both likely need to learn a new position.
Even if Conerly doesn't earn the starting role by Week 1, that doesn't mean he won't earn it at some point during the season. Players get injured, and it's next man up, so even if he has to learn a new position, we will see him on the field during the season this fall.
Defensively, Trey Amos has been all the talk, and PFF has him as an 'on the cusp' player as well. No explanation was given for Amos, along with a few other names that made the list. His body of work stands for itself, and the positive response to his selection shows that he is already on his way.
The Commanders were only a few pieces away from making it to the Super Bowl in 2024, and they've made some solid moves this offseason that bode well for 2025's outlook.
