If the Washington Commanders are going to emerge as a consistent playoff contender during the Jayden Daniels era, it's going to depend upon youth stepping up across the roster.
The lack of development from head coach Dan Quinn's squad was a major factor in the team's downfall a season ago. Significant changes are expected in 2026, and the playing options have undergone massive improvements over the offseason.
But one NFL analyst believes there is a legitimate breakout candidate staring Quinn in the face.
Under a pair of first-time coordinators in David Blough and Daronte Jones, Commanders fans should anticipate a focus on unlocking the untapped potential of recent draft picks who had struggled to find consistency under Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. With most of the team's aging veterans out of the way, there will be more opportunities for the youngsters to shine.
Commanders cornerback Trey Amos gets ringing endorsement from PFF analyst
One of Washington's relative newcomers has been penciled in as an easy breakout candidate by just about everybody. And the noise is getting louder.
Cornerback Trey Amos is as strong a candidate as anyone to take the next step in Year 2. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus agrees, naming the former Ole Miss standout to his 2026 All-Breakout Team.
"Last year’s second-round selection didn’t enjoy the kind of rookie showcase he desired, concluding with a 55.8 overall PFF grade with a 58.8 PFF coverage mark. While Amos was certainly victimized at times, he reflected his talent by earning at least a 68.5 coverage grade in five of his 10 contests, and his 51.43% lockdown rate was 26th among all cornerbacks. Further, Amos broke up an eye-catching 17.6% of his targets."
Commanders fans have been singing Amos's praises since shortly after he was drafted in the second round in 2025. He had an up-and-down rookie year, but the flashes were certainly there. He deflected six passes in 10 games before his season ended prematurely due to a fractured fibula. But much more will be expected this time around.
The potential is enormous with Amos. Jones, a former cornerbacks coach, should be exactly the right guy to bring out the best in him. With Marshon Lattimore released as expected, it will be up to him and Mike Sanristil to hold down the fort, while new signing Amik Robertson will also be heavily involved.
The Commanders' defensive backfield is still considered a weakness by some, but if Amos lives up to his billing, it won't stay that way. Washington might have a rising star on its hands.
Add us as a preferred source on Google