The Washington Commanders sent a clear message when they selected Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft — a message that everything begins and ends with quarterback Jayden Daniels and building around him.
Just a few days into his first NFL training camp, Conerly is already trying to deliver his own message as the Commanders decide exactly how they’ll use the versatile 21-year-old.
“Conerly opened camp as the second-string right tackle behind Andrew Wylie, who started 14 games at that position last season,” The Athletic’s Mike Jones wrote on July 25. “On Thursday, with Washington’s other premier offensive line addition of the offseason, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, receiving a rest day, Wylie moved to left tackle, and Conerly worked with the first team as right tackle. On Friday, Tunsil returned to the lineup and Conerly returned to second-unit right tackle.”
While Conerly’s future almost certainly will be protecting Daniels’ blind side, that won’t be the case as a rookie after the Commanders made a big move in the offseason to trade with the Houston Texans for Tunsil, a 5-time Pro Bowler and 2019 first round pick.
Commanders Have Mix of Young Talent, Vets
The Commanders are a legitimate Super Bowl contender after bolstering their roster following a surprise appearance in the NFC Championship Game following the 2024 season thanks to the virtuoso play of Daniels, who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Washington has an interesting mix of young talent and veteran stars. The youngsters are led by Daniels, cornerback Mike Sainristil, offensive lineman Brandon Coleman. Conerly, who signed a 4-year, $15.68 million rookie contract, will hopefully join that group soon enough.
From ESPN’s John Keim: “Washington wants to build a fortress in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels. It has revamped its offensive line this offseason by trading for Laremy Tunsil and by drafting Conerly, who can play either guard or tackle. In three of the last four regular-season games, Daniels’ sack percentage was 10.4 or higher and the pressure percentage 37.5 or greater. Daniels can run, but he’s a passer first and this should provide him more chances to hang in the pocket and throw the ball. Washington can now envision its starting five for the next several years with Tunsil, Conerly, guard Sam Cosmi, center Tyler Biadasz and Brandon Coleman.”
Conerly Could Get Early Regular Season Test
If Conerly does crack the starting lineup for the season opener on September 7, there’s going to be a familiar face waiting for him on the other side of the ball with New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter, the No. 3 overall pick in 2025.
The 2 players met once before, when Conerly and No. 1 Oregon defeated Carter and No. 3 Penn State in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game.
“Last season, they faced off in the Big Ten championship game,” Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson wrote on May 16. “Conerly pitched a shutout by not allowing a single sack, quarterback hit, pressure or hurry. He was able to match Carter’s speed and explosiveness around the arc. If they face off in one-on-one pass-blocking situations, Carter will need to exploit Conerly’s lack of brute strength as a counter to his speed rush. This matchup could help swing the momentum of the game.”
