How well did the Washington Commanders do with their selection of Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft?
When the Commanders were on the clock at No. 29 overall, many believed they’d opt for a pass rusher, considering there were several solid options available. However, Washington’s intentions weren’t clear as GM Adam Peters met with numerous players throughout the pre-draft process, leaving many guessing about what the Commanders would do with their first-round pick.
Ultimately, they doubled down on protecting franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels by selecting Conerly. Last month, Washington traded for five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Let’s grade the Commanders’ first-round selection. First, we hand out our grade, followed by various other media outlets.
Commanders Wire: A
This offseason was all about protecting Jayden Daniels. By trading for Tunsil and drafting Conerly, you’ve improved three positions. Last year’s left tackle, Brandon Coleman, likely moves inside to guard where many believe has has Pro Bowl potential. Washington already has Sam Cosmi at right guard and he’s outstanding. Unfortunately, he’ll miss some time next season as he recovers from knee surgery. In his space, former right tackle Andrew Wylie likely plays right guard. Tyler Biadasz has the center position locked up. Washington wanted to upgrade its offensive line this offseason and did so in a major way. A good night for the Commanders — and Daniels.
USA Today: B
From Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz:
Many had pegged an edge rusher for Washington, but the Commanders passed up a few notable candidates there to take Conerly. Still, it’s understandable that a team looking to safeguard Jayden Daniels and answer for the Eagles‘ unrelenting pass rush would want to keep adding top talent up front after trading for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason. Conerly can be eased in at right tackle before later taking over for Andrew Wylie, who isn’t signed beyond 2025.
PFF: Average
Pro Football Focus didn’t give out letter grades:
A two-year starter for the Oregon Ducks at left tackle, Conerly allowed just two sacks the past two years. He graded above the 75th percentile in all grading facets, including a 78.1 true pass set pass-blocking grade in 2024. Conerly shows good athleticism for the position, displaying quick and explosive feet. He doesn’t need to immediately start after the Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil this offseason, but he could slide into guard and be very effective.
Bleacher Report: C+
From B/R:
During Jayden Daniels’ collegiate career, he often looked like a crash-test dummy. His aggressive nature as a runner and unwillingness to slide subjected him to some monster hits from defenders.
The Washington Commanders seem to have coaxed that out of him to a degree. But they further bolstered the protection for their young quarterback by selecting Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 overall pick.
Washington already traded for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason to take over at left tackle. Conerly thus should compete to start at right tackle, even though he only started on the left side in college.
If Conerly proves to be comfortable on the strong side, Andrew Wylie can slide inside to start or provide excellent depth. Whatever the case, the Commanders are definitely better in the trenches than they were to start the offseason.
Play strength is an undefinable trait that’s vital for an offensive lineman. Someone like Conerly, who excels in so many areas, will likely still struggle to a degree as he tries to improve his play strength in the NFL.
Conerly has excellent movement skills and looks natural on an island at left tackle. He moves his feet well, redirects, disrupts counters and plays well in space. However, he can set a soft post leg as a pass protector and isn’t a drive-blocker in the run game.
FOX Sports: B
From Geoff Schwartz:
I’m not sure where Conerly will play right now for the Commanders, but this is a play for the future. Conerly is only 21 years old with so much room to grow into his body. His improvement over the final six games this season is the reason he’s in the first round.
Underdog Sports: B+
From Underdog:
“Kick to RT with Tunsil (at left tackle). Developmental, 21-year-old type.”
Sports Illustrated: B
From Matt Verderame:
Conerly was viewed by many as a borderline first-round pick as one of the top five offensive tackles in the class. 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.
The 33rd Team: B+
From Ian Valentino:
The Washington Commanders needed either a left tackle of the future or a challenger for Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Josh Conerly can be that. He needs some time to address his overall strength, but his athleticism and instincts are NFL-ready. Picking Conerly over Josh Simmons could prove to be a bold move either way.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Grades are in: What grades did Commanders receive for Josh Conerly Jr?
How well did the Washington Commanders do with their selection of Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft?
When the Commanders were on the clock at No. 29 overall, many believed they’d opt for a pass rusher, considering there were several solid options available. However, Washington’s intentions weren’t clear as GM Adam Peters met with numerous players throughout the pre-draft process, leaving many guessing about what the Commanders would do with their first-round pick.
Ultimately, they doubled down on protecting franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels by selecting Conerly. Last month, Washington traded for five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Let’s grade the Commanders’ first-round selection. First, we hand out our grade, followed by various other media outlets.
Commanders Wire: A
This offseason was all about protecting Jayden Daniels. By trading for Tunsil and drafting Conerly, you’ve improved three positions. Last year’s left tackle, Brandon Coleman, likely moves inside to guard where many believe has has Pro Bowl potential. Washington already has Sam Cosmi at right guard and he’s outstanding. Unfortunately, he’ll miss some time next season as he recovers from knee surgery. In his space, former right tackle Andrew Wylie likely plays right guard. Tyler Biadasz has the center position locked up. Washington wanted to upgrade its offensive line this offseason and did so in a major way. A good night for the Commanders — and Daniels.
USA Today: B
From Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz:
Many had pegged an edge rusher for Washington, but the Commanders passed up a few notable candidates there to take Conerly. Still, it’s understandable that a team looking to safeguard Jayden Daniels and answer for the Eagles‘ unrelenting pass rush would want to keep adding top talent up front after trading for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason. Conerly can be eased in at right tackle before later taking over for Andrew Wylie, who isn’t signed beyond 2025.
PFF: Average
Pro Football Focus didn’t give out letter grades:
A two-year starter for the Oregon Ducks at left tackle, Conerly allowed just two sacks the past two years. He graded above the 75th percentile in all grading facets, including a 78.1 true pass set pass-blocking grade in 2024. Conerly shows good athleticism for the position, displaying quick and explosive feet. He doesn’t need to immediately start after the Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil this offseason, but he could slide into guard and be very effective.
Bleacher Report: C+
From B/R:
During Jayden Daniels’ collegiate career, he often looked like a crash-test dummy. His aggressive nature as a runner and unwillingness to slide subjected him to some monster hits from defenders.
The Washington Commanders seem to have coaxed that out of him to a degree. But they further bolstered the protection for their young quarterback by selecting Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 overall pick.
Washington already traded for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason to take over at left tackle. Conerly thus should compete to start at right tackle, even though he only started on the left side in college.
If Conerly proves to be comfortable on the strong side, Andrew Wylie can slide inside to start or provide excellent depth. Whatever the case, the Commanders are definitely better in the trenches than they were to start the offseason.
Play strength is an undefinable trait that’s vital for an offensive lineman. Someone like Conerly, who excels in so many areas, will likely still struggle to a degree as he tries to improve his play strength in the NFL.
Conerly has excellent movement skills and looks natural on an island at left tackle. He moves his feet well, redirects, disrupts counters and plays well in space. However, he can set a soft post leg as a pass protector and isn’t a drive-blocker in the run game.
FOX Sports: B
From Geoff Schwartz:
I’m not sure where Conerly will play right now for the Commanders, but this is a play for the future. Conerly is only 21 years old with so much room to grow into his body. His improvement over the final six games this season is the reason he’s in the first round.
Underdog Sports: B+
From Underdog:
“Kick to RT with Tunsil (at left tackle). Developmental, 21-year-old type.”
Sports Illustrated: B
From Matt Verderame:
Conerly was viewed by many as a borderline first-round pick as one of the top five offensive tackles in the class. 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.
The 33rd Team: B+
From Ian Valentino:
The Washington Commanders needed either a left tackle of the future or a challenger for Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Josh Conerly can be that. He needs some time to address his overall strength, but his athleticism and instincts are NFL-ready. Picking Conerly over Josh Simmons could prove to be a bold move either way.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Grades are in: What grades did Commanders receive for Josh Conerly Jr?
