Washington Commanders select Josh Conerly Jr. with first-round draft pick – Washington Examiner
The Washington Commanders selected Josh Conerly Jr., an offensive tackle from the University of Oregon, with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. conerly is expected to enhance the protection for their quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who had a standout 2024 season, leading the team to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Despite a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, who whent on to win the Super Bowl, ConerlyS selection aims to bolster the team’s offensive line.
Scouting reports are generally positive about Conerly, praising his quickness and pass protection skills, as he allowed only one sack during the 2024 season. Though, critics noted some weaknesses, particularly against elite rushers and in run-blocking techniques, suggesting he may need time to further develop his skills. analysts view Conerly as one of the top tackles in his class, with potential for a starting role on the left side of the line.
Washington Commanders select Josh Conerly Jr. with first-round draft pick
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 performances against elite pass rushers and run-blocking technique. Both need some work and 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.”
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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.”
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