The Washington Commanders used their No. 61 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft to take Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos. Here are five things to know about their newest defensive back.
1. A winding college career.
In many ways, Amos' college career represents the current state of the sport, meaning that he moved to multiple schools to create the best opportunity for himself.
Amos' path started at Louisiana-Lafayette after being ranked as the 63rd-ranked high school player in Louisiana. His role with the Ragin' Cajuns gradually increased over the next three seasons, going from a rotational role as a freshman to a 10-game starter with 35 tackles and eight pass breakups.
From there, Amos transferred to Alabama and spent one season with the Crimson Tide to play for Nick Saban. Although he was behind Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold on the depth chart, Amos still played in 14 games with one start in Alabama's 12-2 2023 season and recorded 12 tackles with five PBUs.
Amos transferred once again, this time to Ole Miss, after Saban retired and ended his college career with a standout campaign. He started all 13 games for the Rebels and led his team with 13 pass breakups, which helped him earn a First Team All-SEC selection.
Check out the top photos of Commanders cornerback Trey Amos during his college career.
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Marshall returner Shadeed Ahmed (0) carries against Louisiana-Lafayette's Dre'Lyn Washington (28) and cornerback Trey Amos (21) in the second half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Louisiana-Lafayette won 36-21. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Houston quarterback Clayton Tune (3) attempts to dodge a tackle by Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during the second half of the Independence Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in Shreveport, La. Houston won 23-16. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) is seen during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) follows a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Iowa State wide receiver Landen Akers (82) misses a reception in front of Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Ames, Iowa. Louisiana-Lafayette won 31-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Mississippi State running back Jo'Quavious Marks (7) runs past Alabama defensive back Trey Amos (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Houston wide receiver Nathaniel Dell (1) attempts a catch against Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during the second half the Independence Bowl NCAA football game against Louisiana-Lafayette in Shreveport, La. Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) makes an interception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Monroe in Monroe, La., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) walks the sideline before facing Duke in the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
FILE - Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) reacts during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams, File)
Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) in coverage during the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game against Duke, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Jacksonville,Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Georgia Southern running back OJ Arnold (22) cannot hold on to the ball while being covered by Louisiana Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in Lafayette, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
South Carolina wide receiver Gage Larvadain, right, runs away from Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) in coverage during the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game against Duke, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Jacksonville,Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Rice running back Cameron Montgomery (1) makes a gain in front of Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
Houston quarterback Clayton Tune (3) attempts to dodge a tackle by Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during the second half of the Independence Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in Shreveport, La. Houston won 23-16. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Marshall returner Shadeed Ahmed (0) carries against Louisiana-Lafayette's Dre'Lyn Washington (28) and cornerback Trey Amos (21) in the second half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Louisiana-Lafayette won 36-21. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) is seen during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) follows a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi State running back Jo'Quavious Marks (7) runs past Alabama defensive back Trey Amos (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Iowa State wide receiver Landen Akers (82) misses a reception in front of Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Ames, Iowa. Louisiana-Lafayette won 31-14. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) walks the sideline before facing Duke in the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) makes an interception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Monroe in Monroe, La., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
Houston wide receiver Nathaniel Dell (1) attempts a catch against Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during the second half the Independence Bowl NCAA football game against Louisiana-Lafayette in Shreveport, La. Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
FILE - Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) reacts during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams, File)
Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) in coverage during the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game against Duke, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Jacksonville,Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
Georgia Southern running back OJ Arnold (22) cannot hold on to the ball while being covered by Louisiana Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in Lafayette, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Carolina wide receiver Gage Larvadain, right, runs away from Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Rice running back Cameron Montgomery (1) makes a gain in front of Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Trey Amos (21) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) in coverage during the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game against Duke, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Jacksonville,Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
2. He could have been a first-round pick.
The Commanders' draft room erupted in cheers when they sent in the pick to draft Amos in the second round. Part of the excitement comes from them being surprised he was still available.
"He was in the mix for our first-round pick," general manager Adam Peters said during his Day 2 press conference. "So, that's what we thought of him just on a high level. Really, really impressed with the type of young man and player he is."
The Commanders weren't alone in thinking Amos was worthy of a first-round pick. Analysts like ESPN's Mel Kiper had him ranked as one of the best cornerbacks in the draft, and NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah had Amos going in the first round of his final mock draft.
And Amos fits the description for a first-round pick. Aside from having his best season in the SEC, he has ideal size at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. He had a strong combine performance in March with a 4.43 40-yard dash and 10-foot-6 broad jump.
Amos was considered an all-around cornerback who could thrive in any defensive scheme. The Commanders agree with that assessment.
"He's earned everything he's got and...is really, really what we want in a corner," Peters said.
3. He was a dynamic high school athlete.
Prior to being one of the best defensive players in college football's best conference, Amos was an exciting high school prospect who led his program to years of success.
Amos attended Catholic-New Iberia High School and was a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball and track. On the field, Amos played primarily at cornerback but also got a few snaps at quarterback. He was named the 6AA MVP as a junior for leading his team to the 2018 Division III championship game with 2,319 total yards and 40 touchdowns.
From 2017-19, Catholic-New Iberia made three playoff appearances with Amos playing a pivotal role on both sides of the ball, including a semifinals appearance during his senior year.
Amos was also a decorated track star for his high school, earning a 2019 state title for a school-record 22 feet,10 inches.
4. He's a "PBU machine."
There weren't many defensive backs who had as many pass breakups as Amos did in 2024. Pro Football Focus had him tied for second-most among cornerbacks last season, and he has 35 for his career.
And most analysts agree that when it comes to disrupting passes, Amos is one of the best.
"Dude is a PBU machine -- very savvy about using his long arms at just the right time," ESPN's Mina Kimes said on social media. "Can play both press man and reads QBs well in zone. I'm a fan."
The Commanders saw that performance on film, but what stood out to them was how he managed to stay consistent against top-tier talent. Their R&D department had him ranked in the 96th percentile against highly talented players, which is why Peters said the department was the loudest group that cheered when they drafted Amos.
"He's played against a lot of really good players, and he doesn't back down to anybody," Peters said. "And it's almost like he relishes it."
And while the Commanders intend to let Amos and the rest of the cornerbacks compete, they already have an idea about how they can best utilize that physicality.
"He's really more of an outside guy," Peters said. "He is like an outside, press corner is where that's probably his bread and butter. I think his best position is outside. I don't think he can't play inside, but I think you're best using him outside."
5. Analysts believe Amos is a steal for Washington.
The Commanders have been praised for getting the value out of their five picks in this year's draft, but it seems like Amos is a favorite among analysts.
"Amos brings elite speed and strong movement skills to the Commanders' defense. He earned an 85.6 coverage grade in 2024, forcing 13 incompletions and recording three interceptions," PFF wrote in their breakdown of Washington's class. "A standout at the Senior Bowl, Amos showcases good instincts in zone coverage and has the size and athleticism to lock down opposing receivers in man coverage."
Amos first got Washington's attention during the 2023 SEC Championship against Georgia. They loved the way he competed, and since then, he has continued to impress the front office with his competition, drive and performance. Peters said Amos has "everything we want as a corner." Now, they have added him to a group that already has Marshon Lattimore and fellow second-round pick Mike Sainristil.
And like Johnny Newton from a year ago, the Commanders were surprised and thrilled he was still available after passing up on him in the first round.
"He was clearly the top guy on our board when we picked," Peters said.
