2025 Commanders NFL draft grades: Grades for every Washington selection
The Washington Commanders were one win away from a Super Bowl appearance last season. Dan Quinn's team will look to find the necessary reinforcements in the NFL draft to secure that win and one more next season.
Jayden Daniels shined in his rookie campaign, solidifying himself as the franchise quarterback in the nation's capital. That reality has made for a busy offseason in Washington.
The Commanders have been wheeling and dealing over the past few months, swinging trades for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. Offense has been the priority thus far, potentially opening the door for defense at the draft.
Washington has the luxury of going in whatever direction they want, but pass rusher and defensive back figure to be priorities throughout the event.
Bottom line, the Commanders are entering uncharted territory – the weight of great expectations.
Paste BN Sports is giving out grades during the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's a look at the Commanders' report card.
Commanders NFL draft grades
Round 1, Pick 29: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Georgia
- Ayrton Ostly, Paste BN Sports: D+
Washington opts to bolster the offensive line at No. 29 here with Conerly who was a multi-year starter for the Ducks. He played better in 2023 than 2024 and struggled at times against the upgrade in competition. His size at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds may make it tough to hang at tackle in the NFL. Considering the Commanders' glaring needs on defense and the abundance of options on the board, they get a tough grade for this pick.
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, Paste BN Sports: B
Many had pegged an edge rusher for Washington, but the Commanders passed up a few notable candidates there to take Conerly. Still, it's understandable that a team looking to safeguard Jayden Daniels and answer for the Eagles' unrelenting pass rush would want to keep adding top talent up front after trading for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason. Conerly can be eased in at right tackle before later taking over for Brandon Coleman or Andrew Wylie, with the latter not signed beyond 2025.
Round 2, Pick 61: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
- Ayrton Ostly, Paste BN Sports: A
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, Paste BN Sports: A
Round 4, Pick 128: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
Lane had an excellent combine performance to show off his explosive acceleration that makes him a dynamic threat in the open field. This adds a new dimension in the pass-catching corps for quarterback Jayden Daniels to throw to. Lane will have immediate upside as a returner as he gets up to speed with the Commanders' offense.
Round 6, Pick 205: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
Washington's relied on free agent signees at off-ball linebacker but Medrano could be a step towards some home-grown talent taking hold. He's one of the most athletic linebackers in the class and plays an aggressive brand of football at 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds.
Round 7, Pick 245: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona
Washington gets a potential boost to the running back room with Croskey-Merritt. The Arizona product has a good mix of size (5-foot-10, 206 pounds) and speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash). He's a shifty runner who eludes tacklers and has the ability to plant and get upfield in a hurry. The Commanders' offense will have a new dimension with him sprinkled in.
Commanders NFL draft picks
- Round 1, Pick 29: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Georgia
- Round 2, Pick 61: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
- Round 4, Pick 128 (from Houston): Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
- Round 6, Pick 205: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
- Round 7, Pick 245: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona