Trey Amos - Commanders CB
- NFL-ready trait: Press coverage
The Washington Commanders considered taking Trey Amos with their first-round pick at No. 29 overall. When the physically imposing cornerback was somehow available at No. 61 late in the second round, Adam Peters wasn't going to turn down a can't-miss opportunity.
Amos adds a different dimension to the Commanders' secondary. He's tall, agile, physical, and everything in between. Teams rarely tested him over his final college campaign at Ole Miss, something that Rebels' head coach Lane Kiffin believes hurt his stock considerably.
That worked in the Commanders' favor. Amos has the tools needed to be a major asset on the boundary opposite Marshon Lattimore. This will also allow second-year pro Mike Sainristil to spend more time in the slot, which is where most believe his skills to be most effective.
There will be some rookie growing pains. Most first-year cornerbacks go through them aside from the truly elite, such as Sauce Gardner and Patrick Surtain II. But looking at the player's credentials in press coverage, he could help immediately if everything goes according to plan this summer.
Amos jams receivers at the line of scrimmage superbly. He can get them off their routes and impose his physical will from start to finish. That will be more difficult versus high-level competition every week, but he's more than capable of making his presence felt.
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
- NFL-ready trait: Footwork
Fortifying the trenches around quarterback Jayden Daniels was a key objective for the Commanders this offseason. Trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil was a bombshell of epic proportions. That didn't stop general manager Adam Peters from using his first-round selection on another promising edge protector.
It was an anxious wait for Peters, who wasn't entirely convinced that Josh Conerly Jr. would be around at No. 29 overall. He didn't have the ammunition to move up, but the football gods shone in his favor. And the Commanders didn't hesitate to bring him on board.
Conerly is eager to impress. He endeared himself to the fans immediately by changing his X (formerly Twitter) cover photo to the legendary Hogs who once dominated the trenches in Washington. He's also got the athletic tools needed to be the team's starting right tackle from Week 1.
Adding some play strength would be smart as the preparation period gathers pace. The former Oregon star is technically sound, but his footwork is something that sets him apart from most offensive tackles in this class.
The quick change of direction and ability to mirror oncoming edge rushers are traits where Conerly shines. He's not the finished article, but having this critical area already refined enough to make a difference is only going to help his cause.