Adam Peters went into the 2025 NFL Draft with just five picks. The Washington Commanders needed to use them wisely, especially considering they opted to stand pat early on rather than accumulate more assets by moving back.
Fans were pleased with the returns overall. However, one pick came with more raised eyebrows than most on Day 3.
With several intriguing edge rushers still available, including one that the Commanders spent considerable time examining during their pre-draft assessments, Peters went with linebacker Kain Medrano instead. This was a contentious issue among fans, who believed it represented a luxury pick when there was still meat on the bone at No. 205 overall.
Medrano is supremely athletic. He tested extremely well at the NFL Scouting Combine, bolstering his stock considerably along the way. This was enough for the Commanders to take a chance on his physical attributes being molded into something more.
There won't be much pressure on the former UCLA standout to make an immediate difference to anything other than the special teams unit. Medrano is a work in progress with plenty of flaws that could hold him back. A wait-and-see approach is crucial, but this looks like a good set-up for the fledgling NFL hopeful to potentially flourish.
NFL Draft analyst believes Kain Medrano could be another Commanders' steal
This was a sentiment echoed by draft analyst Thor Nystrom from Fantasy Life. He thought that Medrano might be a late-round steal for the Commanders if some serious tackling issues could be rectified during his pivotal transition to the pros.
"[Kain] Medrano is a good athlete who flies around the field – but he misses tackles in bunches. If he can clean up his haphazard technique, Washington will have unearthed a late-round gem."Thor Nystrom
Having athleticism in abundance is one thing. Putting it all together in the cutthroat NFL setting is something else entirely.
Medrano couldn't be in a better environment to grow. He knows linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. from their time together on the Bruins. The revered coach probably gave his ex-player a glowing recommendation, but repaying this faith is crucial.
Not many rookies have the benefit of learning from one of the game's greatest linebackers of the modern era, either.
Medrano must soak up every piece of information offered by Bobby Wagner. Picking up his preparation habits, meticulous work ethic, and unassuming leadership should stand him in good stead. Frankie Luvu is another who'll be more than willing to help the incoming rookie with some helpful hints on how to make a success of his pro career.
The Commanders see Medrano as a development project. Jordan Magee is likely to be the primary backup behind Luvu and Wagner, although that might not be set in stone unless improvements arrive. He's also got enough versatility to adopt a box safety role similar to what Jeremy Chinn was tasked with last season.
There will be a plan in place for Medrano. Hopefully, he can make the improvements needed to silence his doubters.