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The Washington Commanders should feel very good about the offensive tackle position for the foreseeable future. At left tackle, Washington has one of the NFL's best, Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil just agreed to a two-year extension this offseason, once again making him the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman.
At right tackle, Washington has Josh Conerly Jr. The Commanders' first-round pick in 2025 started every game as a rookie. He struggled early. In his first three NFL games, Conerly lined up across from Brian Burns, Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby. He continued to have his share of ups and downs throughout the first half of his rookie season, but he looked like a different player late last season.
However, some analysts are judging him by his overall metrics from his rookie season, which do not tell the entire story. This offseason, a determined Conerly reshaped his body and spent plenty of time working with Tunsil. He downplayed his improved physique this offseason.
"Honestly, I'm still around the same weight, like 310-315. I did cut a heavy amount after the season because I ended the season at like 318 or something around there," Conerly said last month. "I was pretty fat, so I cut down a lot of body fat and added some muscle, I guess."
As a whole, Washington's offensive line should be viewed as a team strength. Tunsil and Conerly are back. So is right guard Sam Cosmi, who is fully healthy. Also back are left guard Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman. Those two are competing to start at left guard. Coleman has primarily played left tackle since entering the NFL in 2024, but did begin last season at left guard. He later played tackle late in the season in relief of Tunsil and also served as an extra tight end at times. Veteran Nick Allegretti is the biggest question mark. He will replace Tyler Biadasz at center.
With Tunsil at left tackle, you'd think the Commanders would receive more respect. Many analysts have ranked Washington's offensive line in the 20s ahead of the 2026 season. Some of that is due to the unit's disappointing play last season.
Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently ranked the top five NFL tackle duos for 2026. He did not include Washington's duo of Tunsil and Conerly. Here's who Manzano had as his top five duos:
No doubt, these are some excellent duos. We could make the case that Tunsil and Conerly are better than some of them, though. Many are really overlooking how well Conerly played late last season. It almost feels like the Eagles are a legacy pick here. Their offensive line wasn't the same last season. Was that a sign of things to come? Remember, Philadelphia will be without legendary OL coach Jeff Stoutland in 2026.
Conerly still has much to prove. He's not looking for accolades. He will continue to play every snap and improve. You can bet that if Tunsil and Conerly remain on the field all season, Washington's offensive line ranking will look much different six months from now.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' offensive tackle duo snubbed
Continue reading...
At right tackle, Washington has Josh Conerly Jr. The Commanders' first-round pick in 2025 started every game as a rookie. He struggled early. In his first three NFL games, Conerly lined up across from Brian Burns, Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby. He continued to have his share of ups and downs throughout the first half of his rookie season, but he looked like a different player late last season.
However, some analysts are judging him by his overall metrics from his rookie season, which do not tell the entire story. This offseason, a determined Conerly reshaped his body and spent plenty of time working with Tunsil. He downplayed his improved physique this offseason.
"Honestly, I'm still around the same weight, like 310-315. I did cut a heavy amount after the season because I ended the season at like 318 or something around there," Conerly said last month. "I was pretty fat, so I cut down a lot of body fat and added some muscle, I guess."
As a whole, Washington's offensive line should be viewed as a team strength. Tunsil and Conerly are back. So is right guard Sam Cosmi, who is fully healthy. Also back are left guard Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman. Those two are competing to start at left guard. Coleman has primarily played left tackle since entering the NFL in 2024, but did begin last season at left guard. He later played tackle late in the season in relief of Tunsil and also served as an extra tight end at times. Veteran Nick Allegretti is the biggest question mark. He will replace Tyler Biadasz at center.
With Tunsil at left tackle, you'd think the Commanders would receive more respect. Many analysts have ranked Washington's offensive line in the 20s ahead of the 2026 season. Some of that is due to the unit's disappointing play last season.
Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated recently ranked the top five NFL tackle duos for 2026. He did not include Washington's duo of Tunsil and Conerly. Here's who Manzano had as his top five duos:
- 5. Buffalo Bills: Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown
- 4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson
- 3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke
- 2. Denver Broncos: Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey
- 1. San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz
No doubt, these are some excellent duos. We could make the case that Tunsil and Conerly are better than some of them, though. Many are really overlooking how well Conerly played late last season. It almost feels like the Eagles are a legacy pick here. Their offensive line wasn't the same last season. Was that a sign of things to come? Remember, Philadelphia will be without legendary OL coach Jeff Stoutland in 2026.
Conerly still has much to prove. He's not looking for accolades. He will continue to play every snap and improve. You can bet that if Tunsil and Conerly remain on the field all season, Washington's offensive line ranking will look much different six months from now.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' offensive tackle duo snubbed
Continue reading...
