The Washington Commanders may have had a challenging season with just five wins, but the silver lining was the promising performance of Adam Peters' 2025 NFL Draft class. This group has shown real potential, and fans have reasons to be optimistic.
First-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. made significant strides as the season progressed, solidifying his role as a cornerstone for the team's future. Trey Amos, a second-round cornerback, was showing great promise before a fractured fibula cut his season short in Week 10.
Meanwhile, seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt turned heads from the start of minicamp, becoming a standout in the offensive backfield. Fourth-round wide receiver Jaylin Lane also made an impact with multiple punt return touchdowns.
However, Kain Medrano, the sixth-round linebacker, found it tough to make his mark in his rookie season. Limited to special teams, his highlight was a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff in Week 16 against the Eagles. Coaching decisions were partly blamed for his limited opportunities, but with Daronte Jones now leading the defense, there's hope Medrano can carve out a more significant role.
Jones' implementation of a 3-4 defense could be a game-changer for Medrano. Known for his decisiveness and man-coverage skills during his UCLA days, Medrano needs to address concerns about his tackling and size. With a strong offseason, he could turn some heads and earn more playing time.
The new defensive scheme might also benefit players like undrafted free agent Ale Kaho. With veterans like Bobby Wagner likely moving on, there’s a chance for fresh faces to step up. While Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee are expected to be full-time starters, the door is open for others to seize the moment.
Peters is likely eyeing free agency to bolster the linebacker position, possibly targeting big names like Quay Walker or Nakobe Dean. Medrano and Kaho may not be immediate starters, but they'll have opportunities to prove themselves and earn meaningful snaps.
For Medrano, this is a chance to quiet any lingering doubts. While he wasn't drafted to be a superstar, finding a spot on the defense could be a significant step forward. His future is in his hands, and this offseason could be the turning point he needs.