Lane Kiffin exposes catalyst behind Commanders' Trey Amos draft theft

Promising cornerback Trey Amos has drawn rave reviews since being selected at No. 61 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. And his former college head coach provided an interesting theory as to why he was available when Adam Peters went on the clock in Round 2.

The Commanders contemplated taking Amos at No. 29 overall. Peters resisted the urge when Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. fell into his lap. But when the physically imposing defensive back was there to be had much later than anyone expected, the front office didn't hesitate to resist trade offers.

Washington has high hopes for Amos. They envisage him to form a prolific outside tandem with four-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore, allowing Mike Sainristil to spend more time in the slot. There will be some growing pains initially, but the size, length, and athleticism should keep complications to a minimum.

Lane Kiffin provides glowing reference for new Commanders CB Trey Amos

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin believes the Commanders have a tremendous player on their hands in Amos. He also revealed to John Keim of ESPN that not being targeted much during the 2024 campaign is the primary reason behind his falling draft stock.

"He can do everything. He's got great length and can run, great ball skills. He's going to be a really good starting corner in the NFL… people didn't throw at him very much or else he would've had that much of a bigger year."

Lane Kiffin via ESPN

Amos was on an island last season, with quarterbacks wary of throwing in his direction. This should be seen as a positive, but Kiffin thinks it harmed the player's draft stock.

That worked in the Commanders' favor. They got a player with a first-round grade late in the second round. Being overlooked until pick No. 61 also provides Amos with all the motivation needed to silence his doubters.

Couple this with learning from the Commanders' accomplished coaching staff and veteran performers such as Lattimore and Jonathan Jones, and things couldn't have turned out much better for Amos. If everything goes according to plan or perhaps even better than anticipated, he could be among the 2025 draft's biggest steals when push comes to shove.

Good prospects slip through the cracks every year. But it's not about where you get drafted, it's about what they do upon reaching the sport's pinnacle.

The Commanders believe Amos has what it takes. Kiffin does too.