The 2025 NFL Draft took place on April 2025, and the Washington Commanders had five draft picks this year. Here’s what they did with them.
The Commanders selected Josh Connerly Jr. with their first-round pick. Connerly, an offensive tackle, played for the Oregon Ducks before being drafted. Throughout his collegiate career, he only allowed two sacks. Notably, he didn’t allow any sacks in his junior year but did allow five quarterback pressures. In 2024, he was recognized as a first-team All-American and received All-Big 10 Honors. Additionally, he won the Anthony Munoz Award in 2021, which is awarded to the best graduating high school offensive lineman. Connerly will have the chance to develop under five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil.
The Commanders selected Trey Amos with their second-round pick. The former Ole Miss cornerback began his college career at Louisiana, where he recorded 59 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 14 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. For his senior season, he transferred to Alabama, where he broke up five passes and contributed a tackle for loss. However, his production was limited due to the depth chart, which featured Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, both of whom became high draft picks that year. To maximize his college eligibility, Amos decided to stay in college and play for Ole Miss, where he had the best season of his career. He recorded 50 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 13 pass deflections, and three interceptions. Notably, he also broke an Ole Miss record for most pass breakups in a single season.
The Commanders used their third-round pick to acquire Marshon Lattimore earlier in the season. However, in the fourth round, they selected Jaylon Lane, a receiver from Virginia Tech. Lane shares similar qualities with Deebo Samuel, whom Washington traded for. These qualities include elite speed and the ability to gain yards after catch (YAC). The Commanders’ assistant general manager, Lance Newmark, praised Lane’s “cool personality” and “unique instinct with the ball in his hands.” Notably, Lane has won multiple awards for his exceptional punt and kickoff return skills.
The Commanders used their sixth-round pick to select Kain Medrano, a linebacker from UCLA. During his collegiate career, he made several notable plays, including 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, and even a touchdown. Interestingly, Washington’s linebacker coach, Ken Norton Jr., used to coach Medrano when he was the Linebackers Coach at UCLA.
The Commanders’ final pick in the seventh round was Jacory Croskey-Merrit, a running back from Arizona. However, he was only permitted to play one game in 2024 due to eligibility concerns. Despite this limited playing time, Merrit made a significant impact, rushing for 106 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per carry, and scoring a touchdown. Before declaring for the NFL draft, Merrit had spent six years at the collegiate level. DeMatha students like Josiah Jordan believe that Merrit possesses the exceptional speed required in Washington’s backfield to elevate the team to new heights.
The Commanders filled some positions of need in this draft and are hopeful of continuing their success this year, despite falling short in the NFC championship last year.
