Commanders drafted Trey Amos
- Bold prediction: Day 1 starter, five INTs as a rookie.
The Washington Commanders considered taking Trey Amos with their first-round pick according to general manager Adam Peters. When the physically imposing cornerback was somehow available at No. 61 overall, the decision was relatively straightforward.
Just why Amos fell so far down the pecking order is anyone's guess. The Commanders weren't complaining, that's for sure. And being overlooked until Washington ended his slide is only going to motivate the Ole Miss graduate further upon joining the professional ranks.
There is an opportunity for Amos to make an immediate impact. He's got the size and length Dan Quinn looks for in his perimeter corners. A smooth transition could see him start on Day 1 opposite Marshon Lattimore, which would see Mike Sainristil move back into the nickel spot where he thrived in college and over the early stages of the campaign.
Ron Rivera thought he was getting a ballhawk in Emmanuel Forbes Jr. That pick was an unmitigated disaster, but Amos' three outstanding interceptions with the Rebels last season suggest he can become the opportunistic presence the Commanders have craved.
If Amos can secure starting responsibilities right out of the gate and five interceptions as a rookie, that represents the best possible foundation from which to build.
Commanders drafted Josh Conerly Jr.
- Bold prediction: Day 1 right tackle, 3 sacks allowed.
The Commanders went against the grain with their first-round pick at No. 29 overall. Adam Peters was widely expected to move back and received several offers to do so. He stood pat thanks in no small part to Josh Conerly Jr. being available when Washington went on the clock.
Peters was anxiously watching Conerly's status. The front-office leader thought the offensive tackle could go higher based on his assessments. When the former Oregon standout was there for the taking, he didn't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's message to Peters about wanting the edge protector didn't go unnoticed. This also fits into Washington's major offseason priority, which centered on surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with everything needed to excel further before it gets much more expensive to keep him around.
Conerly is embracing the challenge of keeping Washington's franchise player clean in the pocket. He's got the potential to form a bookend tackle tandem with Laremy Tunsil, although adding some extra play strength throughout the summer would help greatly.
If Conerly can become a Day 1 starter at right tackle and man the position for the next decade or more, it'll vindicate Peters' decision to avoid other avenues with his first-round selection.