The Washington Commanders selected five players in the 2025 NFL Draft, and four of them were able to find distinct roles in Year 1. The fifth, however, is still a bit of a mystery.
Right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., cornerback Trey Amos, and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt all started at least a handful of games on either offense or defense, while wide receiver Jaylin Lane did so as a punt returner. On the other hand, sixth-round linebacker Kain Medrano never played a snap outside of special teams.
Year 2 will be a crucial one for the UCLA product to show he can make an impact on the field. And in defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' new linebacker-heavy scheme, he might just have the golden opportunity he needs.
Kain Medrano has become Commanders' offseason darling as he prepares to take on a larger role
Every offseason has a couple of players, usually unproven late-round or undrafted rookies or second-year pros, who everybody starts buzzing about as sleepers to watch out for. This summer, that's been Medrano for Washington.
Medrano's speed and athleticism give him legitimate defensive upside, especially as the Commanders embrace their youth movement on that side of the ball. Still, carving out a role will be a challenge.
He will have to compete in a crowded linebacker room that includes No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles, free agency addition Leo Chenal, and returning veterans Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. As such, Medrano has his work cut out for him.
Washington's edge rushers will effectively become linebackers in Jones' 3-4 scheme. That means the second-level unit will also have Dorance Armstrong Jr., Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, and others battling for roster spots.
The presence of special teams coverage ace Nick Bellore also can't be ignored, and Medrano's best pathway toward a spot on the final 53 may be as his replacement. That will give him a foot in the door, with potential for an expanded role from there.
With four linebackers on the field on every snap, there should be opportunities for Medrano to find a place as a trusted backup. He will need to be heavily featured during the preseason, and if he impresses, there might be no going back.
Medrano was drafted as a raw project with outstanding athleticism. But now is the time for the long-term gamble to begin to pay dividends, and by all indications, he has done everything right this offseason thus far.
The second-year pro has been considered an afterthought by many, but don't write Medrano off yet. The Commanders might have a breakout candidate who could shock everyone.
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