The Washington Commanders faced a long wait for their second selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. And with just four picks over the final six rounds, general manager Adam Peters had to make the most of it.
This was always the price for some bold trade activity over the offseason. The Commanders were more aggressive than most in their quest to find elite-level performers to bolster the team's Super Bowl push. That's going to help enormously, but it left Peters short of viable assets to be flexible when the draft rolled around.
The Commanders no doubt took that into account. Peters is a meticulous planner with his ambitious project way ahead of schedule. Last year was all about quantity with so many holes to fill. This year is about quality reinforcements capable of slotting into the team's new culture shift seamlessly.
Fans were growing increasingly anxious when outstanding prospects began to drop off the board. Patience isn't a virtue where draft darlings are concerned. Fortunately for the Commanders, they have a composed, ruthlessly efficient front-office leader steering them on the right path.
Commanders gain cornerback insurance with Trey Amos pick
Patience paid off for the Commanders, but it didn't come with another edge rusher. Instead, Peters went with cornerback Trey Amos at No. 61 overall.
Amos rounds off Washington's cornerback room nicely. He's a big, perimeter coverage presence with the size Dan Quinn typically looks for. The former Ole Miss standout thrives in press situations, displaying the physicality to get receivers off their routes quickly. This is matched by enough athleticism to mirror receivers and go with them downfield.
He's also adept at creating turnovers, which always transition well. The Commanders still need a pass-rusher, and they don't have a third-round pick as yet, but this is another example of taking the best prospects available.
This also gives the Commanders a contingency plan in the event Marshon Lattimore cannot return to his old form. Last season's marquee trade arrival struggled to adjust after coming into the organization with a hamstring injury. Hopes are high that he can bounce back, but Peters was right to leave nothing to chance.
Most analysts thought Amos could go higher than this. If the rookie adjusts well, Mike Sainristil can move back into the nickel with more frequency, which has significant benefits attached.
It's not an edge, but the more productive cornerbacks Washington has, the more time those on the front seven will have to generate pressure.
In theory.
