Commanders drafted Trey Amos
- Cornerback | OIe Miss Rebels
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 61
Adam Peters considered taking cornerback Trey Amos with his first-round pick at No. 29 overall. When the Commanders saw him there for the taking late in the second round, it was an absolute no-brainer from the general manager's perspective.
Amos had the size, length, and physicality to cope with any rookie growing pains. His exceptional summer saw him win the starting boundary spot opposite Marshon Lattimore quickly. The Commanders had problems in plentiful supply across their secondary in 2025, but the former Ole Miss standout was a rare shining light amid the almost constant doom and gloom.
It wasn't perfect; not by any stretch of the imagination. However, Amos looked ready and never backed down an inch. That momentum came screeching to an abrupt halt with a broken fibula sustained in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions.
This was a body blow for the player and Washington. It was also something the Commanders could recover from en route to a dismal season that eventually led to the firing of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
- Original draft grade: A
- Regrade after one season: A
Amos' campaign may have ended prematurely, but if he can make a successful return and show no signs of dropping off, the Commanders have a long-term piece on their hands.
Commanders drafted Josh Conerly Jr.
- Offensive Tackle | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 29
The Commanders spent significant draft capital to secure the services of five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans. That did not prevent Adam Peters from taking Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall.
Peters faced an anxious wait to see if Conerly would be available. The Commanders got a stroke of good fortune, and they didn't hesitate. It was a rollercoaster rookie campaign for the Oregon product, but he certainly looks capable of becoming a franchise cornerstone.
Conerly was handed a baptism of fire over the first month of the season, and he struggled accordingly. He kept plugging away behind the scenes, working hard on his craft and gradually becoming influential as the campaign wore on. His pass protection was much more assured, and his NFL-ready footwork was as advertised. Once the player improves his core strength, Washington will have an exceptional edge protector.
- Original draft grade: B+
- Regrade after one season: A
It was a rough ride as expected for Conerly, but he rode the storm and came out on the other end smiling. If he gains more from these experiences and improves his overall game this offseason, he's got the tools needed to be highly impactful in 2026.