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One of the things the Washington Commanders wanted to focus on this offseason was ensuring that star quarterback Jayden Daniels stays protected under center. They traded for five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil, and last night, during the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, GM Adam Peters added offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. to the roster.
Conerly doesn't just add depth to the offensive line; he also adds a level of physicality and athleticism. But what do we really know about Conerly? Let's take a look at five things you should know about the Commanders' first-round draft pick.
Conerly Jr. grew up in Washington state and attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington. When it came time for college, he didn't venture far, choosing to attend the University of Oregon. Being selected to play for the Commanders brings Conerly across the country, away from his family, and into a whole new experience.
If anyone on the Commanders' roster can understand this, it's Jayden Daniels, who is from California and attended LSU. It's something the two of them can bond over, which will only serve to protect Daniels on the field further.
In high school, Conerly was awarded the Anthony Munoz Award, which is given annually to the best lineman in high school football at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl banquet. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and one of the top recruits nationally. He earned four varsity letters and was named all-league as a junior. As a senior, he received invitations to the Polynesian Bowl and the All-American Bowl, and was a MaxPreps All-American, first-team all-state, and Washington Offensive Lineman of the Year. He was ranked as one of the top-35 players in the nation and was the consensus best recruit in the state.
He appeared in 13 games as a true freshman at Oregon, earning the starting role the following year.
In Oregon's first season as part of the Big Ten, Conerly was awarded First-team All-Big Ten and First-team All-American honors for his play on the field.
Conerly was responsible for protecting Bo Nix during two of his seasons at Oregon, and in his final season, he protected Dillon Gabriel. So, he's already blocked for two different quarterback types. Nix is a pretty standard pocket passer. He will scramble and can do so effectively, but he prefers to stay in the pocket. Gabriel is more mobile than Nix, which was an adjustment Conerly had to make in 2024.
Now, neither Nix nor Gabriel is Jayden Daniels, right? So, Conerly will have to adjust again. But he's already proven he can, so the transition to the NFL will coincide with blocking for a dual-threat quarterback, and it likely won't feel like two separate things.
Yes, you read that right, Josh Conerly, Jr., started his high school football career as a running back during his freshman year. But then he did what all teenagers do and hit a growth spurt. A big one. That growth resulted in a position change to the offensive line, but his athleticism remained on point. That athleticism is one of the reasons the Commanders wanted Conerly. He's a fantastic tackle, but he can play anywhere on the offensive line. And, if Dan Quinn wants to get cute this year, he can put the ball in the hands of his 6-foot-5, 311-pound lineman for a touchdown or two.
As previously reported, Conerly has an incredible two-year stat that's worth noting. Between 2023 and 2024, the offensive tackle was on the field for 1,007 pass block attempts. Out of those attempts, he allowed just two sacks. TWO. Mull that over for a little while because that is a crazy stat, and this guy is gonna wear burgundy and gold this fall.
Adam Peters just dropped the mic.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 5 things to know about new Commanders' OT
Continue reading...
Conerly doesn't just add depth to the offensive line; he also adds a level of physicality and athleticism. But what do we really know about Conerly? Let's take a look at five things you should know about the Commanders' first-round draft pick.
Hails from the West Coast
Conerly Jr. grew up in Washington state and attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington. When it came time for college, he didn't venture far, choosing to attend the University of Oregon. Being selected to play for the Commanders brings Conerly across the country, away from his family, and into a whole new experience.
If anyone on the Commanders' roster can understand this, it's Jayden Daniels, who is from California and attended LSU. It's something the two of them can bond over, which will only serve to protect Daniels on the field further.
Accolades
In high school, Conerly was awarded the Anthony Munoz Award, which is given annually to the best lineman in high school football at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl banquet. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and one of the top recruits nationally. He earned four varsity letters and was named all-league as a junior. As a senior, he received invitations to the Polynesian Bowl and the All-American Bowl, and was a MaxPreps All-American, first-team all-state, and Washington Offensive Lineman of the Year. He was ranked as one of the top-35 players in the nation and was the consensus best recruit in the state.
He appeared in 13 games as a true freshman at Oregon, earning the starting role the following year.
In Oregon's first season as part of the Big Ten, Conerly was awarded First-team All-Big Ten and First-team All-American honors for his play on the field.
Versatile ability on the field
Conerly was responsible for protecting Bo Nix during two of his seasons at Oregon, and in his final season, he protected Dillon Gabriel. So, he's already blocked for two different quarterback types. Nix is a pretty standard pocket passer. He will scramble and can do so effectively, but he prefers to stay in the pocket. Gabriel is more mobile than Nix, which was an adjustment Conerly had to make in 2024.
Now, neither Nix nor Gabriel is Jayden Daniels, right? So, Conerly will have to adjust again. But he's already proven he can, so the transition to the NFL will coincide with blocking for a dual-threat quarterback, and it likely won't feel like two separate things.
Started football journey as a running back
Yes, you read that right, Josh Conerly, Jr., started his high school football career as a running back during his freshman year. But then he did what all teenagers do and hit a growth spurt. A big one. That growth resulted in a position change to the offensive line, but his athleticism remained on point. That athleticism is one of the reasons the Commanders wanted Conerly. He's a fantastic tackle, but he can play anywhere on the offensive line. And, if Dan Quinn wants to get cute this year, he can put the ball in the hands of his 6-foot-5, 311-pound lineman for a touchdown or two.
Boasts an incredible two-year stat
As previously reported, Conerly has an incredible two-year stat that's worth noting. Between 2023 and 2024, the offensive tackle was on the field for 1,007 pass block attempts. Out of those attempts, he allowed just two sacks. TWO. Mull that over for a little while because that is a crazy stat, and this guy is gonna wear burgundy and gold this fall.
Adam Peters just dropped the mic.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 5 things to know about new Commanders' OT
Continue reading...
