Commanders drafted Trey Amos
- Cornerback | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
Trey Amos was widely considered a first-round pick by most experts. The dominant cornerback had the size, scope, and physicality typically associated with productive modern-day defensive backs around the NFL. However, a back issue that arose during his medical assessments led to a dramatic slump.
Adam Peters considered taking Amos at No. 29 overall. When the former Ole Miss standout was available all the way down at No. 61 overall, the Washington Commanders general manager didn't hesitate to pull the trigger.
Looking at Amos' seamless transition from college to the pros, it's not hard to see why. He immediately won a starting role opposite Marshon Lattimore. Despite the Commanders boasting Pro Bowlers and breakout stars in their secondary, one could argue that the rookie is the team's best-performing corner.
And it's not particularly close, either.
Amos looks ready for the moment. First-year cornerbacks tend to go through more growing pains than most. Even though he's found life difficult on occasions up to the midseason point, he's done remarkably well in the circumstances.
- Post-draft grade: A
- Midseason grade: A+
This looked like a home run by the Commanders at the time. He's hit the ground running and done nothing to change this perception.
Commanders drafted Josh Conerly Jr.
- Offensive Tackle | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 29
The Commanders made a concerted effort to fortify the protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. Their trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil sent shockwaves through the league. Adam Peters wasn't done, spending the No. 29 overall selection on Josh Conerly Jr.
Washington made Conerly earn the starting right tackle gig, and he took on the challenge. The Oregon product won the job, but a gauntlet of epic proportions awaited the first-year pro over the first few weeks of the campaign.
Conerly's baptism of fire was relentless. He came out of it and performed exceptionally well thereafter. He's nowhere near the finished article just yet, but the Commanders didn't expect him to be.
There are times when Conerly looks like a potentially elite edge protector. There are other moments when he seems lost, technically flawed, and without the core power to hold his ground. This is about finding a happy medium to become more consistent, and the coaching from Bobby Johnson, with mentorship from Laremy Tunsil, makes this the perfect environment.
- Post-draft grade: B+
- Midseason grade: A
Conerly has a bright future. The Commanders are taking the rough with the smooth right now, but he should benefit significantly from these rookie experiences long-term.