The Washington Commanders selected Josh Conerly Jr., an offensive tackle from the University of Oregon, with their first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Conerly was chosen with the 29th pick in the draft. His selection should help provide protection for prized Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Daniels guided the Commanders to a 12-5 regular season record in 2024 and to the NFC Championship Game, where the Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 55-23. The Eagles eventually went on to win Super Bowl 59.
Conerly’s scouting report by Sports Illustrated was quite positive and highlighted his positive physical attributes.
“Conerly has started at left tackle each of the past two years but has experience protecting quarterbacks’ blind and strong sides,” read the report. “He’s quick and smooth-footed in his kick slide as a pass protector, and when he wins the race to first contact, he’s difficult to beat—he allowed only one sack in 2024. Conerly has enough strength to drive defensive ends out of rushing lanes and help spring big runs.”
The negatives for Conerly were his defensive and run-blocking performances against elite pass rushers. Scouts suggested that he needs to improve in these areas to bring his game to an elite level.
“The 6′ 5″, 311-pounder struggles anchoring against power rushers and is only average in space as a run blocker, noted Sports Illustrated’s scouting report. “Conerly has the requisite tools to play tackle, though he may need some seasoning before being thrown into the fire.”
Sports Illustrated writer Matt Verdarame gave the Commanders’ first-round draft pick a “B” grade.
“Conerly was viewed by many as a borderline first-round pick as one of the top five offensive tackles in the class,” said Verdarame. “At Oregon, Conerly started 28 games over the past two years while being named first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American. Projected to be a starter on the left side, he could kick inside down the line.”
