Kain Medrano demonstrates his skills during training, aspiring for success in the NFL.
Kain Medrano from UCLA has been drafted by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, making him the first Pueblo native to achieve this in decades. His journey to the NFL has been marked by hard work and perseverance, with standout performances that caught the attention of scouts. The linebacker looks forward to learning from NFL veterans and inspiring aspiring athletes from his community.
The Washington Commanders have made history by selecting linebacker Kain Medrano from UCLA in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection marks a significant milestone as Medrano is recognized as the first Pueblo native to be drafted into the NFL in several decades, an achievement that brings pride to his community.
Medrano described his drafting experience as emotionally overwhelming, indicating that it felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. His journey to this point has been a profound one, marked by hard work and perseverance.
During his time at UCLA, Medrano transitioned to the linebacker position in his sophomore year, a decision that he credits for enabling his dreams of reaching the NFL. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 222 pounds, he impressed scouts with a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds.
In the 2024 season, Medrano achieved notable success on the field. He recorded his only defensive touchdown against Nebraska by intercepting a pass and returning it for a score. His defensive capabilities were further highlighted in a game against Utah in 2023, where he achieved a career-high of 10 tackles, forced a fumble, and secured two sacks, earning him a defensive grade of 81.3 from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Throughout the 2024 season, Medrano contributed significantly to UCLA’s defense by forcing a fumble against Iowa that helped maintain the team’s bowl eligibility. In addition, he intercepted a pass against Washington, creating scoring opportunities for his team. His college career concluded with a strong performance against Fresno State, where he tallied eight tackles, one sack, and a pass breakup.
Despite his successes, analysts have noted that Medrano must address a concerning number of missed tackles during his college career. However, the Commanders’ linebacker coach, Ken Norton Jr., who previously coached Medrano at UCLA, has expressed confidence in his abilities. Medrano himself looks forward to learning from experienced NFL veterans, including Bobby Wagner and head coach Dan Quinn.
Medrano aims to be a source of inspiration for the youth in Pueblo, illustrating that hard work and dedication can pave the way for success beyond their hometown. His story serves as a motivational narrative for aspiring athletes from small communities.
The Washington Commanders come off their best season since their Super Bowl victory in 1991. With Medrano’s addition to the team, there is optimism surrounding his potential contributions to continuing the franchise’s resurgence. He hopes to leverage his skills and experience to help the Commanders build on their recent success.
As the upcoming NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Medrano’s journey unfolds within the Commanders’ organization. His historic selection serves as a reminder of the diverse talent that is making its way into professional football and the important role representation plays in inspiring future generations.
News Summary The Los Angeles Ballet raised over $1.2 million at its annual Gala, the…
News Summary Southern California is set for a significant heatwave this week, with temperatures soaring…
News Summary The federal government is selling the historic U.S. Courthouse on Spring Street in…
News Summary Graduation season has arrived in the Coachella Valley, with schools commemorating the achievements…
News Summary From May 19 to May 23, Los Angeles will feature a diverse lineup…
News Summary A domestic violence incident in North Hollywood led to a police shooting that…