Prioritizing the defense was an absolute must for general manager Adam Peters. But it's a fledgling breakout star who could tip the scales in new coordinator Daronte Jones' favor during the 2026 campaign.
The Washington Commanders got a stroke of good fortune when cornerback Trey Amos slipped late into the second round last year. Peters reportedly considered him with the No. 29 pick before going with offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., but he got the best of both worlds. And even though his rookie campaign ended prematurely through injury, the flashes displayed were enough to encourage fans about the future.
Getting back to 100 percent and avoiding any more injury problems is the primary objective. If Amos can do that, the former Ole Miss star could enter franchise cornerstone territory in the very near future.
Trey Amos poised to take the next step in Year 2 with Commanders
Kristopher Know of The Bleacher Report agrees, naming Amos as Washington's most important building block moving forward. While this could have gone to someone like quarterback Jayden Daniels, the defensive deficiencies could flip entirely if the corner emerges as a legitimate shutdown option on the outside.
"This offseason, Washington made a slew of new additions to a defense that ranked 32nd overall last year. It will feature several new starters, but (Trey) Amos should soon entrench himself as a star in the secondary."
Amos is everything you'd want in a prolific cornerback. He's big, long, physical, and is a fluid mover. He's forceful enough to get receivers off their routes in press coverage, and reacts quickly to everything going on in front of him. His aggression also makes him a valued asset against the run, so there is a lot to like about his outlook.
Jones will have a big part to play. He's got the scheme that should play to Amos' strengths. His work in developing defensive backs has been the hallmark of his coaching career. Everything is set up for the 6-foot-1 corner, and it would be a big surprise if he fell flat.
Having a more prolific front seven should also help. Amos didn't benefit from this last season, but it's expected to change this time around. Mike Sainristil, Amik Robertson, and maybe even Rasul Douglas should play their part, but this unit will only go as far as the No. 61 pick in 2025 takes them.
That's a lot to ask of someone with only 10 career appearances and eight starts, but Amos is more than capable if he gets back to full health.
And if he manages to put together a legitimate breakout campaign, Washington's defense is going to take a massive leap.
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