In Trey Amos, Commanders again get a player atop their board on Day 2 of NFL Draft

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ASHBURN, Va. — Forget whether fans approve of the Washington Commanders’ second-round selection. Drafting former Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos 61st overall had members of the organization’s research and development department roaring with delight.

“I don’t know if you guys could hear,” general manager Adam Peters said to local media members moments later, “but our R&D department was probably the loudest.”

The approval wasn’t a display of Ole Miss fandom. Amos, a physical 6-foot-1 press cornerback with 13 credited pass deflections last season, was the data analyst’s top-rated player entering Day 2 of the NFL Draft. They weren’t the only ones in the building who were ecstatic about adding the former Louisiana and Alabama transfer who faced Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in college.

Peters shared that the 2024 first-team All-SEC defender was in consideration with the Commanders’ first-round selection, 29th overall, before landing on Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Similar to the scenario with Conerly, Amos’ draft board value had Washington passing on trade-down opportunities.

“(Trey) was clearly the top guy on our (draft) board when we picked,” Peters said. “The way he plays, the way he plays at the line of scrimmage. He’s a press corner and can be really physical at the line of scrimmage. He can really play in any scheme you want. That’s what separates him from a lot of different guys.”

Applauding a player your team drafted is PR 101, but Amos garnered ample praise during the pre-draft process. Multiple personnel sources from other teams shared their approval of the player with The Athletic following the selection. The Athletic’s senior draft analyst, Dane Brugler, ranked the prospect who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine 39th overall in the 2025 draft class.

Hours before the Amos selection, the other new premium addition arrived in town for his introductory news conference. Conerly and several family members flew from Seattle to the other Washington. “The flight here was pretty insane,” the excited 21-year-old shared.

The cross-country ride allowed Washington’s potential Week 1 starting right tackle time for reflection on this life-altering moment. From a five-star college recruit to feeling “lost” early in his freshman season with the Ducks to contending for national championships and now joining a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

“And that’s the goal, you know what I mean?” said Conerly, who spoke with a maturity beyond his age. “That’s the next step, and I’m glad that I’m here and able to propel us to that (level). I come from winning. Only lost six games at Oregon in three years. Losing is foreign. All I came here to do is win.”

Conerly and Amos both participated in January’s Senior Bowl, but only the tackle attended Washington’s group “30” visit earlier this month. The Commanders’ scouts connected with Amos at the Senior Bowl, and Peters gathered intel when Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris shared stories about rugged practice sessions with the cornerback.

Another person who likely offered insight into Amos is Daniels. The former SEC foes squared off in Alabama’s blowout win over Daniels’ LSU squad in 2023. Amos, then a backup behind future NFL cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry, described learning he would now join Daniels and the NFC runners-up as “surreal.”

The New Iberia, Louisiana, native and former college teammate of current Commanders Percy Butler and Andre Jones Jr. admitted being surprised about remaining available deep into the second round.

“You just never know with the draft. You just gotta stay positive throughout the storm,” Amos said during a video call. “Once your number gets called, it is go time regardless.”

Washington’s cornerback room has enough pieces to allow Amos, 23, any desired adjustment period. His 61 career games — 27 in the SEC — include 26 as a starter (13 with the Rebels). Peters expects Amos to play on the perimeter, but the “fluid” situation will unfold during training camp. That could mean a change in role for 2024 second-rounder Mike Sainristil, who went from the slot to outside midway through his rookie season. Free-agent signee Jonathan Jones and last season’s slot starter Noah Igbinoghene round out the rotation.

“We’re going to get the guys who we think are the best on the field,” Peters said. “If that’s Mikey inside, that could be. There are no sacred cows on this team. The best guys, whether it’s two or three or even four, are going to play.”

Keeping the 61st pick eliminated Washington’s best trade chip in pursuit of additional selections, Peters acknowledged. The Commanders, left to watch the third round, hold picks in the fourth (128), sixth (205) and seventh (245) rounds.

Washington has yet to select a needed defensive end or offensive playmaker. That may change by Saturday afternoon. Regardless, expect assistant general manager Lance Newmark, Washington’s anointed speaker following Day 3’s action, to echo Peters’ enthusiasm with whatever selections the team makes.

For those near the team’s Northern Virginia facility on Saturday, listen for the R&D crew’s vocal, authentic reaction. After two draft picks, it’s fair to nod in approval that the Commanders’ plan is coming together, whether you crunch numbers for a living or not.

(Photo: Stephen Lew / Imagn Images)

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