Adam Peters had specific tasks to complete this offseason. The Washington Commanders made it to the NFC Championship on the wings of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and ended up with their best season in over 30 years. They fell short of making it to the Super Bowl, but it was made clear that Peters had a plan, and he got right to work as soon as free agency opened, bringing in new talent from other places.
He also found some pieces to the puzzle in the 2025 NFL draft, and one of those pieces is cornerback Trey Amos. The Commanders’ secondary was, well, not good last year. Their subpar performance forced Joe Whitt to move Mike Sainrstil out of his natural nickelback position and back to lining up as a left-side corner. The hope is that Amos’s addition will move Sainristil back to where he’s comfortable.
Amos has performed well enough through rookie minicamp and OTAs that NFL.com named him to their All-Rookie Team of instant impact players.
Drafted: Round 2, No. 61 overall
Atrocious cornerback play last September forced Washington to move rookie Mike Sainristil outside, and he acquitted himself quite well, but the scrappy 5-foot-9 playmaker is likely still at his best in the nickel role. So, who can fill the CB slot opposite Marshon Lattimore? The Commanders signed veteran Jonathan Jones, who offers inside/outside ability, but Amos sure has the look of a Dan Quinn corner. Washington was thrilled when he was still available late in the second round, and no wonder: The big, physical CB displayed enticing press-man ability last season in the SEC, earning first-team all-conference honors. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. undoubtedly appreciates Amos’ ball production (SEE: 3 INTs and 13 PBUs in 2024), having spent much of last season begging for takeaways.
Amos had his most productive collegiate season in 2024, recording 50 tackles (39 solo), 13 passes defensed, one forced fumble, and three interceptions.
Those interceptions are what Whitt will want to focus on with Amos, as the Commanders tied with the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots with seven takeaways, fourth-worst in the NFL. The only teams that had fewer interceptions were the Cleveland Browns (four), New York Giants (five), and Jacksonville Jaguars (six).
If the Commanders want a shot at making the Super Bowl, the defense has to improve. Adding Amos and others to the secondary, plus bolstering the defensive line with Deatrich Wise and Javon Kinlaw, all looks good on paper. Now we need to see Whit and Dan Quinn put the players in the best possible position to make the most of their talents. If they can do that, we will be looking at a much better defense in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders’ Trey Amos named an instant impact player for 2025
