The Washington Commanders reported to Ashburn on Friday for the beginning of rookie minicamp. But before the 2025 rookie class took the field, general manager Adam Peters finished some business with some members of the 2025 NFL draft class.
Three of Washington’s five draft picks signed their respective rookie contracts:
4th-round pick, WR Jaylin Lane
New era begins@j_lane_2 | #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/VVbooMuTZu
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 9, 2025
The Virginia Tech speedster is expected to be the Commanders’ primary punt returner as a rookie. Due to his game-breaking speed and versatility, he could quickly become a favorite target of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Lane played outside and in the slot in his college career and can also run the ball. Washington is excited about Lane’s potential.
6th-round pick, LB Kain Medrano
Rookie deal inked@Kain_05 | #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/W84MS0S9P2
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 9, 2025
Kain Medrano will be a fun player to watch this summer. His combination of size, speed and coverage ability could get him on the field early, but there are concerns about his tackling. The Commanders can work with Medrano on his tackling. Finding players with Medrano’s size/speed profile is more difficult.
7th-round pick, RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Making it official@JacoryMerritt15 | #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/izjyBC3zLM
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 9, 2025
Croskey-Merritt is another rookie the Commanders are excited about. He could get some carries early in his NFL career with the top four running backs entering the final year of their contract. An eligibility issue cost Croskey-Merritt all but one game last season. Had he played, Washington probably wouldn’t have gotten him in the seventh round. The depth of the 2025 rookie class also helped push Croskey-Merritt down the board.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders signed 3 members of their 2025 rookie class
