Commander Country

Commanders out of the top 10 in latest ranking

Sports Illustrated praises the Washington Commanders focus on O-line and secondary with impact picks following the NFL draft.
Darius Hayes|
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during the fourth quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during the fourth quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders earned the No. 11 spot in Sports Illustrated’s 2025 NFC draft class rankings, receiving a B grade from NFL writer Gilberto Manzano.

The Commanders took a focused approach in the draft, targeting immediate needs on the offensive line and in the secondary. Their first-round pick, Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., is expected to step in right away at right tackle opposite veteran Laremy Tunsil, while second-round cornerback Trey Amos adds depth to a group that now features Marshon Lattimore and rising talent Mike Sainristil.

As Washington works to rebuild key areas of the roster, Manzano sees this class as a strong step forward.

READ MORE: Commanders add 1,000-yard receiver to roster following NFL Draft

Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr.
Nov 16, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive linenam Josh Conerly Jr. (76) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

“Last season, the Commanders were weak on the offensive line and at cornerback. That could change in 2025 with the arrivals of Conerly and Amos,” Manzano wrote. “Conerly could immediately start at right tackle, on the opposite side of veteran newcomer Laremy Tunsil. Amos joins a cornerback rotation of Marshon Lattimore, last season’s trade deadline acquisition, and Mike Sainristil, last year’s rookie standout. This draft class could look even better if [Jaylin] Lane emerges as a quality No. 3 next to Terry McLaurin and Samuel.”

The Commanders also selected Jaylin Lane, a wide receiver from Virginia Tech, in the fourth round. If Lane develops as hoped, he could round out a receiving corps led by McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. Late-round picks Kain Medrano (LB, UCLA) and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona) add rotational potential and special teams value.

With the draft and adding to key positions, Washington’s 2025 draft class may prove to be a quietly effective group that contributes immediately and lays a solid foundation for future seasons.

READ MORE: New Commanders' lineman weighs pressure of protecting QB Jayden Daniels

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders bolster secondary with SEC standout in second round

• Commanders QB reveals wild recruitment story

• 3 bold NFL Draft predictions that could involve the Commanders

• WATCH: Highlights from Commanders sixth-round pick LB Kain Medrano

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Darius Hayes
DARIUS HAYES

Darius Hayes is a writer and contributor for 2 On SI sites, where he covers multiple teams as well as the Atlanta Braves. His work reflects his passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. Hayes grew up in Trenton, N.J., and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his Master’s in Communications from Georgia State University. In addition to journalism, Hayes serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He can be followed on Twitter @dariushayes55.