The Washington Commanders finalized their NFL Draft selections, notably choosing OT Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round, prioritizing protection for quarterback Jayden Daniels after acquiring Pro Bowl left tackle Larmey Tunsil. They also secured CB Trey Amos in the second round, considered a first-round talent, to strengthen their defense. Other key selections include WR Jaylin Lane, known for his speed, and RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a potential late-round gem. The team continues to evaluate undrafted free agents to enhance their roster. In a heartfelt move, Gabe Taylor, brother of the late Sean Taylor, was invited to the Commanders' rookie minicamp for a tryout opportunity, linking the team to its storied past.

The Commanders selected OT Josh Conerly Jr. as their first-round pick, despite the availability of top pass rushers, to bolster their offensive line and protect young QB Jayden Daniels, following the acquisition of Larmey Tunsil.

GM Adam Peters plans to optimize the offensive line by likely moving Brandon Coleman from left tackle to guard, where he played in college, and intends to use Conerly on the right side.

In the second round, CB Trey Amos, considered a first-round talent, was drafted to start opposite Marshon Lattimore, enhancing the Commanders' defensive backfield.

WR Jaylin Lane, drafted in the fourth round, brings notable speed and versatility, expected to be a significant asset in the Commanders' offense and special teams.

LB Kain Medrano and RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, selected in later rounds, are anticipated to contribute to special teams and add depth, with Croskey-Merritt having a standout college performance.

The Commanders are actively pursuing undrafted free agents to potentially fill their 53-man roster, emphasizing a strategy of comprehensive talent evaluation.

Gabe Taylor, brother of franchise legend Sean Taylor, was given a tryout opportunity at the rookie minicamp, providing a sentimental connection to the team's heritage.

The Washington Commanders just wrapped up the NFL Draft like all other 31 teams in the league. 

The Commanders surprised plenty of folks in D.C. and around the league when they selected OT Josh Conerly Jr. with their first round pick, as plenty of top pass rushers were sitting there ripe for the picking. Clearly GM Adam Peters and company have a plan to get to opposing quarterbacks, and there’s an obvious focus on protecting the team’s young franchise QB, Jayden Daniels. 

Earlier this offseason, the Commanders traded for 5-time Pro Bowl left tackle Larmey Tunsil in a deal with the Texans, so it’s almost a certainty he will hold down Daniels’ blindside. That likely means Brandon Coleman —who Peters and his staff selected in the second round last year — will move from left tackle to guard, the position he played in college. And now Conerly is in the mix. If the Commanders spent a first round pick on another OT, it’s likely the plan is to move Conerly to the right side, despite him playing left tackle in college. 

Anyone can look around the NFC East’s pass rushers, and how the Commanders were dominated by the Eagles defense in the NFC Championship game, to understand the logic for putting so many resources into the offensive line. 

In the second round, the Commanders selected a player they publicly stated they had a first round grade on. 

Ole Miss CB Trey Amos was one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft and should immediately take the starting role opposite of Marshon Lattimore. 

“Trey Amos was one of my favorites in this pre-draft process—coming in at 36 on my board—so getting him at no. 61 was a steal.,” Danny Kelly of the Ringer said. “He's a long, fluid-moving cover man with good ball skills, bringing the potential to start early on.”

Washington snatched up speedy WR Jaylin Lane out of Virginia Tech in the fourth round. He’s the kind of talent that can take the top off defenses, contribute on special teams and also be utilized in creative ways by OC Kliff Kingsbury. Lane has 4:34 speed and will be an instant weapon to the potent Commanders offense. 

After that, the Washington Commanders added LB Kain Medrano out of UCLA, who should contribute on special teams right away while learning behind the veteran linebacker corps. 

And in the 7th round, the Commanders got a potential steal by drafting RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt out of Arizona. In 2023, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and a whopping 17 touchdowns at New Mexico, but transferred to Arizona and only played one game in 2024 before being declared ineligible. 

Only time will tell if all of these picks make the 53-man roster, but the z are continuing to sign undrafted free agents and take a look at any player they believe they could help the team. In one of the coolest stories that broke on Sunday night, Washington has invited Gabe Taylor, the younger brother of the late Sean Taylor — a legend for the franchise — a tryout opportunity. 

Jake Russell, who covers the Commanders for the Washington Post, announced the news on X on Sunday. 

“Rice safety Gabe Taylor, brother of Sean Taylor, will attend the Commanders’ rookie mini camp on a tryout,” Russell reported.