{"id":6157,"date":"2025-04-28T05:21:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T05:21:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/6157\/"},"modified":"2025-04-28T05:21:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T05:21:10","slug":"wft-news-washington-commanders-news-links-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/6157\/","title":{"rendered":"WFT News: Washington Commanders News Links"},"content":{"rendered":"

Commanders links
\nArticles
\nNFL.com
\n2025 NFL Draft: Boxes checked, remaining offseason to-do list for all 32 teams <\/a>
\nWashington Commanders
\n Boxes checked: <\/p>\n

Continued to do everything to protect \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeffJayden Daniels\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff, drafting an OT in Round 1.
\nAddressed a need at CB with second-rounder Trey Amos.
\nBuilt around Daniels earlier in the offseason, acquiring a LT (\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeffLaremy Tunsil\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff) and WR (\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeffDeebo Samuel\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff).<\/p>\n

Still to do: <\/p>\n

The Commanders approached this offseason exactly as they should have after Daniels\u2019 breakout rookie season: they acted like a team trying to win right now. Protecting Daniels (he was sacked 47 times) and giving him as many weapons as possible was the paramount concern, and those needs were addressed, in both the draft and in free agency. If the defense shows improvement \u2014 the team added veteran experience on the line \u2014 and Daniels is everything he looked to be in 2024, the Commanders should be NFC contenders again and for years to come. <\/p>\n

Washington Post (paywall)
\nCommanders 2025 draft tracker: How every Washington pick fits<\/a><\/p>\n

In his second draft, Washington Commanders General Manager Adam Peters followed a familiar pattern. He prioritized talent over positional need, and in later rounds, he targeted older team captains and elite athletes.<\/p>\n

He resisted offers to trade back and stuck to his board, with a particular focus on speed.<\/p>\n

He did not pick an edge rusher \u2014 widely considered the team\u2019s biggest need \u2014 though he could still add a veteran free agent.<\/p>\n

OT Josh Conerly<\/p>\n

Peters praised Conerly\u2019s youth \u2014 he doesn\u2019t turn 22 until November \u2014 and athleticism. Conerly had excellent testing numbers at the scouting combine, especially in explosion metrics, such as the vertical jump and 10-yard split of the 40-yard dash.<\/p>\n

Conerly, who grew up in Seattle, was a bruising running back as a kid. He switched to left tackle as a high school sophomore, grew into a five-star recruit, committed to Oregon and became a third-team all-American.<\/p>\n

CB Trey Amos<\/p>\n

Amos (6-1, 195) is a long, physical outside cornerback who fits the defense\u2019s aggressive vision and could be a Day 1 starter.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would\u2019ve taken him with our first-round pick,\u201d Peters added. \u201cHe was in the mix for our first-round pick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amos, 23, could start immediately opposite Marshon Lattimore, which would allow Mike Sainristil to slide back inside, or Amos could rotate with Jonathan Jones and\/or others.<\/p>\n

WR Jaylin Lane<\/p>\n

Lane (5-10, 191) is a home run threat who gives the offense a critical boost in speed. He played mostly in the slot for the Hokies over the past two years and could be a weapon on screens, jet sweeps and other gadget plays.<\/p>\n

His quickest path to making an impact might be on special teams. He averaged 21.8 yards per kick return and 10.9 yards per punt return with two touchdowns over five college seasons, per Sports Reference<\/a>, including a 58-yard touchdown<\/a> against Marshall last season.<\/p>\n

LB Kain Medrano<\/p>\n

Medrano (6-3, 222) is a classic late-round Peters bet. He\u2019s very athletic \u2014 he ran the fastest 40-yard dash among linebackers at the combine \u2014 and was a team captain at UCLA. He has a long, lean frame and can play dime linebacker but probably will get on the field mainly on special teams to start.<\/p>\n

RB Jacrory Croskey-Merritt<\/p>\n

Croskey-Merritt (5-10, 206) is a shifty, one-cut runner with speed and explosiveness, and he could complement Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler in the backfield.<\/p>\n

Croskey-Merritt, 24, played just one game last season at Arizona because of a complicated eligibility issue over a redshirt season.<\/p>\n

Croskey-Merritt got back onto the radar for NFL teams at the Shrine Bowl. He ran a 4.45-second 40 and had elite numbers in explosion metrics, including the vertical jump and the broad jump.<\/p>\n

ESPN
\n2025 NFL draft grades: Mel Kiper\u2019s winners, losers, sleepers<\/a>
\nWashington Commanders: B+<\/p>\n

Top needs entering the draft: Edge rusher, cornerback and running back<\/p>\n

I gave this team an A- for its 2024 draft haul<\/a>, and here\u2019s a snippet of what I wrote about its class: \u201cIf [Jayden] Daniels<\/a> is a star, this could set the foundation for the Commanders returning to the playoffs \u2014 in a couple of years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not bad! It took Daniels and Washington only one season to get to the playoffs, though, which ended in the NFC title game. The Commanders were ahead of schedule. Now? The clock is ticking. They have a limited window to put a star-laden team around Daniels before they have to give him a massive contract extension. They need to take advantage of him being on a rookie deal.<\/p>\n

You could see that urgency this offseason in trades for wideout Deebo Samuel Sr<\/a>. and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil<\/a>. Those veterans will make the Commanders better immediately. And with only five total picks, they really had to get a rookie starter in Round 1.<\/p>\n

Instead, they might have gotten rookie starters with both of their top picks. I liked the selection of Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 \u2014 he played left tackle at Oregon, but I see his immediate future at guard or right tackle. He has the traits to play on the left side, though Tunsil will have that spot locked down for a few years. I thought Washington might go with a corner there, but GM Adam Peters got Trey Amos with his lone Day 2 pick, nearly 20 spots lower than where he was in my rankings (No. 43). Amos will fill a big hole for this defense.<\/p>\n

Jaylin Lane is an intriguing Day 3 wideout. At 5-foot-10, he looks like a running back \u2014 and he took some snaps from the backfield in college. If Kliff Kingsbury can figure out how to get the ball in his hands, he has some juice after the catch. He\u2019s also the best punt returner in this class.<\/p>\n

I liked what Peters did with his first three selections, but this is not quite an A because it\u2019s a small class and because he didn\u2019t address the hole at edge. Still, this is a team that should again challenge for the NFC East crown.<\/p>\n

The Athletic (paywall)<\/p>\n

Commanders 2025 NFL Draft takeaways: Threading the short- and long-term needle<\/a>
\nBest value pick<\/p>\n

Peters wouldn\u2019t want to single out one of his draft pick children, but he said Washington considered taking Amos, a 6-foot-1 defender with 4.43 40-yard speed, in the first round. Therefore, to land The Athletic\u2019s draft analyst Dane Brugler\u2019s 39th overall prospect at No. 61 seems like a good deal.<\/p>\n

The Ole Miss standout, and Louisiana and Alabama transfer, offers depth and size on the outside. The former was needed since starter Marshon Lattimore has battled injuries for three consecutive years, and the latter, considering Mike Sainristil and Jonathan Jones are both listed at 5-foot-10.<\/p>\n

Most surprising pick<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t a head-shaker among the top three selections, and the quality of player makes not trading down for additional picks palatable. That edge defenders Donovan Ezeiruaku and Nic Scourton were among the available options at No. 29 will be something to monitor, especially if Washington continues to struggle in run defense or faces issues with pass rush consistency. The Commanders also didn\u2019t add an explosive playmaker in the backfield.<\/p>\n

ESPN – John Keim
\nWashington Commanders 2025 NFL draft picks: Selection analysis<\/a>
\nRound 6, No. 205: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA<\/p>\n

My take: Washington wanted more speed at linebacker and a little more versatility behind starters Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. The Commanders also have Jordan Magee and Domonique Hampton, both entering their second season. Medrano can run \u2014 his 4.46 time in the 40 at the combine was the fastest among linebackers \u2014 and could fill a hybrid big safety\/linebacker role. Medrano played six years in college and did not become a full-time starter until the last two years. Washington needed a linebacker who can cover and that\u2019s something it hopes Medrano offers after doing so at UCLA. That would fill a major hole for the Commanders.<\/p>\n

Round 7, No. 245 overall: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona<\/p>\n

My take: The Commanders were intent on adding another running back to pair with Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols. All three are free agents after the season so they needed a young back who could factor in their future. Croskey-Merritt was ineligible for all but one game at Arizona last season due to confusion over a prior redshirt year. In his final year at New Mexico, he rushed for 1,191 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has good speed, having run a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, the fastest among running backs. He\u2019ll be intriguing in camp. Did Washington find a gem who was a mystery because he was ineligible?<\/p>\n

Commanders.com
\nJaylin Lane gives WAS dynamic possibilities as punt returner<\/a><\/p>\n

Lane\u2019s biggest contributions, at least at the start of his NFL career, might be on special teams, and he\u2019s excited about that opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust being back there, I feel like I can make any play, any catch and ultimately, take it to the crib,\u201d Lane said. \u201cThat\u2019s what you want to do as a returner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lane delivered some impressive highlights as a punt returner at the college level, both at MTSU and Virginia Tech. He averaged nearly 11 yards per return during his college career and scored two touchdowns. He ripped off a 58-yarder against Marshall last season and sprinted past the entire coverage unit to do so.<\/p>\n

Riggo\u2019s Rag
\nCommanders quietly make 6 roster moves immediately after 2025 NFL Draft<\/a><\/p>\n

Adam Peters work didn\u2019t stop after the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

Tim McKay
\nOffensive Line | North Carolina State Wolfpack<\/p>\n

The Commanders shelled out decent money for Tim McKay compared to most rookies who fail to hear their names called. Reports suggest he was a hot commodity on the undrafted free-agent market, so those in power must see something in the player that can be molded into more.<\/p>\n

There are some athletic limitations where McKay is concerned. However, he\u2019s a versatile chess piece with a well-put-together frame and a sound technical platform to build.<\/p>\n

Tre Rucker
\nSafety | Oklahoma State Cowboys<\/p>\n

Acquiring another safety or two was almost guaranteed after the Commanders failed to pick one up during the draft. Tre Rucker fits the athletic, physical mold of what Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. are trying to build.<\/p>\n

The former Oklahoma State standout isn\u2019t the biggest, but he\u2019s a high-effort player and a relentless force against the run. There are deficiencies in coverage that must be alleviated, so becoming more disciplined and less aggressive could see improvements arrive quickly.<\/p>\n

Sports Illustrated
\nNew Commanders RB models game after back known for physical play<\/a><\/p>\n

The Washington Commanders drafted running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round, and might have gotten a Mark Ingram-style ball-carrier in the process.<\/p>\n

[I]n adding Croskey-Merritt to the roster [Washington] is…ad<\/a>ding a ball-carrier who says he models his game after former NFL back Mark Ingram.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust being tough, being physical, making defenders not want to attack you. That\u2019s the main thing that I took away from Mark Ingram, and I feel like that\u2019s the only way to play the position is just being violent and running with anger,\u201d Croskey-Merritt says. If you\u2019re thinking that is music to the ears of the Commanders, you\u2019d be right. Assistant general manager Lance Newmark shared in his post-draft press conference that any time you\u2019re around the back, you can feel his energy. <\/p>\n

Podcasts & videos<\/p>\n

NFC East links
\nArticles
\nBleeding Green Nation
\nDraft Recap – Grades on all Eagles Picks and all 32 Teams<\/a><\/p>\n

Washington Commanders: B<\/p>\n

I think Josh Connerly was a bit of a reach at 29, especially with Josh Simmons still on the board. Trey Amos was a tremendous value at 61, though, and Jaylin Lane is a fun slot WR who was nice value at 128.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Best move: Amos at 61
\n\u00b7 Worst move: Passing on Simmons for Connerly<\/p>\n

Eagles Overall Grade: B<\/p>\n

I think I\u2019ve gotten spoiled by Howie\u2019s last few drafts. There were plenty of years in the past where I would have killed for a draft this solid (I still have PTSD from the Watkins\/Jarrett draft), but it feels like a bit of a let down after the last couple of years. They got some good players, including a real difference maker in Campbell and some nice value at the end of the draft but, IMO, they really whiffed on Day Two.<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys: B<\/p>\n

Donovan Ezeiruaku at 44 and, especially, Shavon Revel at 76 were two of the best picks in the draft, which pains me to say. I think the Eagles should have taken Revel at 64; he profiles as a high-end outside CB. But those picks were offset by their massive reach in picking Tyler Booker at 12. I like Ajani Cornelius at 204 but not Shemar James at 152.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Best move: Revel at 76
\n\u00b7 Worst move: Booker at 12<\/p>\n

New York Giants: A-<\/p>\n

This would be an A if the Giants didn\u2019t overpay to trade up for Jaxon Dart. I\u2019m not a huge fan of him and the Giants paid too much to move up from 34 to 25. The rest of their draft was really good. Abdul Carter is a stud. Darius Alexander (65), Cam Skattebo (105), and Marcus Mbow (154) were all really good value \u2013 especially Alexander and Mbow, both of who I\u2019d have loved to see on the Eagles.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Best move: Carter at 3 (followed by Mbow at 154)
\n\u00b7 Worst move: overpaying for Dart<\/p>\n

Barstool Sports
\nThe Giants Reportedly Gave Up On Shedeur Sanders When He Was Unprepared For A Meeting, Daboll Called Him Out On It And It \u2018Didn\u2019t Go Well\u2019 From There<\/a><\/p>\n

[Source] – <\/a>\u201cShedeur didn\u2019t have a great interview with Brian Daboll in a private visit,\u201d McShay said via The Daily News. \u201cAn install package came in. Preparation wasn\u2019t there for it. [He] got called out on it. Didn\u2019t like that. Brian didn\u2019t appreciate him not liking it.\u201d<\/p>\n

We all know that Shedeur Sanders [wasn\u2019t] drafted [until the 5th round]. It\u2019s not some conspiracy theory or anything like that, but we\u2019re now starting to find out some details, specifically why the Giants passed on him. There were reports leading up to the Draft that it was basically split within the building that some wanted Sanders, Daboll didn\u2019t want him and wanted Dart. This is why.<\/p>\n

Sanders came in unprepared, Daboll called him out on it and Sanders didn\u2019t like that. It was over then and there. As a Giants fan? Good. I know people will destroy Daboll because of Daniel Jones (who was ass), but Daboll is a quarterback evaluator. That\u2019s how he made a name for himself. So if he is going to be pissed that Sanders is unprepared, so be it. <\/p>\n

A leak about Brian Daboll\u2019s bad experience with Shedeur Sanders. Giants draft Jaxson Dart. Shedeur plummets into Day 3. And Joe Schoen & Daboll decline comment on the fall of a Colorado QB that some in NYG\u2019s building coveted https:\/\/t.co\/o68kPNBfTE<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

NFL Links
\nOver the Cap
\nValuing the Trades of the 2025 NFL Draft<\/a><\/p>\n

For each trade I am evaluating the trade using the Fitzgerald-Spielberger draft chart. The chart which Brad and I created is based on past results of NFL drafts. These values are not going to be indicative of typical trade markets in the NFL but they do provide you the expected returns on each trade when you wind up with the average outcome.<\/p>\n

For each trade we calculate points for each draft pick. I am valuing a future pick this year as the middle pick in a round as that is the average outcome that would occur. While this often upsets people due to traditional valuations (discounting a future pick by a round which is just crazy- ask any team that traded away a future pick that landed top 10 in that round) the fact is a future 1 is still a future 1. In the past I have used the 32nd pick in a round and that is what our own calculator uses but after more thought I think to really get an idea for a trade its best to just use the average outcome. Anyway, the difference between these two sets of points is the implied cost of the trade. That cost can then be translated into a single draft pick.<\/p>\n

The expected value added for a team is what that draft slot would project at if we translated the rookie performance into veteran contract value (i.e. a QB selected number 1 in the draft would expect to bring a team a value of $55M, essentially projecting as one of the top 5 players at the position). The value lost is what the picks the team traded away would be valued as. For the team trading up the value will be specific to the position they traded up for. For the team trading down it will be a blind trade since there is no guarantee on positional availability. The difference is how much was gained or lost by moving up rather than picking blind.<\/p>\n

17. Panthers select EDGE Nic Scourton<\/p>\n

Implied Cost: 11 points(UDFA)<\/p>\n

Implied Salary Lost: ($2.98M\/Year)<\/p>\n

Discussion topics<\/p>\n

All aTwitter<\/p>\n

#Commanders<\/a> safety, Quan Martin, told us today he had surgery on both his shoulders a couple months ago. He said he separated one shoulder week 3 and the other shortly after that.<\/p>\n

“Just want to get it taken care of now so I can be 100% going into year three” @wusa9<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/6233SVz40W<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Final 2025 Draft Class!<\/p>\n

Rd. 1 – Josh Conerly Jr. OT
Rd. 2 – Trey Amos CB
Rd. 3 – Marshon Lattimore CB
Rd. 3 – Laremy Tunsil OT
Rd. 4 – Jaylin Lane WR
Rd. 5 – Deebo Samuel WR
Rd. 6 – Kain Medrano LB
Rd. 7 – Jacory Croskey-Merritt RB<\/p>\n

Adam Peters is HIM!!! #RaiseHail<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SJM (@DMVCommanders) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

When asked to reflect on the NFL draft, Mel Kiper Jr. was effusive about the #Commanders<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“When you talk about a team to watch, when you have Jayden Daniels at quarterback, the Washington Commanders will be a fear-factor team.” #RaiseHail<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/avfFbgOCWt<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

My guy calling everybody coach lol<\/p>\n

\u2014 Nna Mmadu \u200d (@_IKENNA_) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

You can’t duplicate DeSean Jackson’s ability to track the ball. But just giving perspective on athleticism. <\/p>\n

Jackson also ran a slower 3 cone drill and 20 yd shuttle at his pro day. #Commanders<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Wq9svQ4qAy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Paul Conner (@P_ConnerJr) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

WR, Jaylin Lane – @HokiesFB<\/a> <\/p>\n

Top 3 in every event #NFLCombine<\/a> <\/p>\n

HEIGHT – 5\u2019 10\u2019\u2019
WEIGHT – 191 lbs
ARM – 31 3\/4\u2019\u2019
HAND – 9 7\/8\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

\u270540-Yard Dash – 4.34 Seconds (3rd)
\u270510-Yard Split – 1.5 Seconds (3rd)
\u2705Vertical Jump – 40\u2019\u2019 (3rd)
\u2705Broad Jump – 11\u2019 0\u2019\u2019 (3rd)
\u27053-Cone Drill -\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/vkMDXsFeP6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dave Heilman NFL (@DynastyDorks) March 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a monster pro day at Arizona after the NCAA screwed him out of 2024 season. He can play. 1200 yards in 23 at New Mexico.<\/p>\n

\u2014 JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Commanders pick Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt at 7-245. <\/p>\n

CM (5-10, 206) is \u201ca slippery runner with explosive feet,\u201d per @dpbrugler<\/a>. <\/p>\n

He played one game last year due to an eligibility issue (see screenshot). But he came back on the scene at the Shrine Bowl and has speed. pic.twitter.com\/8OLZl3pGIj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Per @cplant_<\/a> : @ZebraSports<\/a> has tracked Max Acceleration\/Deceleration in:<\/p>\n

– Shrine Bowl (2023\u201325)
– Senior Bowl (2018\u201325)<\/p>\n

Among all RBs, Jacory Croskey-Merritt ranks:<\/p>\n

– 6th all-time in Max Acceleration
– 1st all-time in Max Deceleration<\/p>\n

Ya\u2026that checks out pic.twitter.com\/J1OvVTwRWF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ben Cummins (@BenCumminsFF) April 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Adam Peter\u2019s Draft Trends Through His First 2 Years:
– Clearly doesn\u2019t care about drafting for need
– Players with high RAS scores >>>
– Tends to Lean Towards Older Prospects
– Team Captains \u2705
– Guys that have been through multiple schools\/programs \u2705#RaiseHail<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Bleeding Burgundy & Gold (@BleedinBnG) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Just when #Commanders<\/a> Asst. GM Lance Newmark thought he had wrapped up his post draft presser, Adam Peters from the “Daily Planet” had one more question while wearing a Newmark shirt.<\/p>\n

“Can you talk about why the quarterbacks made you this shirt?” @wusa9<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/eVCCoilwTr<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) April 27, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

How tf Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan still have a job and I don\u2019t? <\/p>\n

\u2014 Devonta Freeman (@devontafreeman) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n