Elite Pass Protection: Why the Commanders Drafted Oregon Tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

Introduction: The Commanders’ Draft Strategy

The Washington Commanders made a significant move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the 29th overall pick.

This decision underscores their unwavering commitment to safeguarding their prized quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

Conerly is not just any draft pick; he is a calculated addition to reinforce the offensive line and ensure stellar protection.

Strategic Acquisition

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Conerly is a former five-star recruit from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle.

His attributes align perfectly with the Commanders’ strategy to build a rock-solid offensive line.

The young tackle brings a blend of size, strength, and skill that makes him an ideal candidate to shield Daniels from the relentless pressure of opposing defenses.

Commitment to Protection

The Commanders have made it clear that protecting Jayden Daniels is a top priority.

They previously acquired left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafted Brandon Coleman, showcasing a focused approach to reconstructing their offensive line.

Conerly’s addition is a natural extension of this strategy, aiming to create an elite unit capable of enduring the rigors of an NFL season.

Enhancing the Offensive Line

Conerly’s performance at Oregon was nothing short of impressive.

With a 76.9 pass-blocking grade in his first year as a starter, he demonstrated his capability to excel in a critical role.

His growth continued in 2024, as he allowed just one sack and five total pressures, reaffirming his reliability and potential.

Conerly’s arrival signifies the Commanders’ dedication to fostering a robust offensive line tailored for long-term success.

This strategic pick not only supports Jayden Daniels but also sets the stage for a fortified front line, capable of withstanding the toughest challenges.

Looking ahead, the Commanders’ offensive strategy hinges on these foundational moves, charting a course towards consistent excellence on the field.

Who is Josh Conerly Jr.?

Josh Conerly Jr. is a name that has been on the radar for many football enthusiasts and analysts long before he stepped onto an NFL field.

Hailing from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Conerly was a former five-star recruit, a badge of honor in the competitive world of high school football.

His journey was carefully watched by scouts and fans alike, ultimately culminating in his selection by the Washington Commanders with the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighing 315 pounds, Conerly possesses the ideal size and strength that teams covet in an offensive tackle.

These physical attributes are complemented by his remarkable agility and power, making him an exciting prospect who has the potential to flourish in the NFL.

His stature not only defines his presence but also serves as a cornerstone for his technique and effectiveness on the field.

What sets Conerly apart is not just his physicality but his potential for growth and development.

As a young player, he has the time and the capacity to evolve into a premier starting tackle.

His track record at Oregon attests to his rapid improvement and adaptability.

The skills he has honed—both in pass protection and run blocking—show that he is a versatile and formidable lineman ready to take on bigger challenges.

Washington’s strategy to draft Conerly aligns perfectly with their goal to protect their franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

Conerly’s presence on the offensive line is expected to provide the stability and security needed to keep Daniels upright and performing at his best.

This pick not only highlights Washington’s focus on their offensive line but also underscores their commitment to cultivating young talent with high ceilings.

As the Commanders continue to rebuild and strengthen their offensive line, Conerly stands as a pivotal piece in their grand design.

His inclusion in the team symbolizes a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that the quarterback remains protected and that the team’s foundation is built to last.

Dominant Pass Protection Skills

When it comes to protecting the quarterback, Josh Conerly Jr. stands out as an exceptional talent.

In his first year as a starter at Oregon, Conerly displayed significant prowess in pass protection.

He posted an impressive 76.9 pass-blocking grade, signaling his capability to provide a solid barrier against aggressive defensive linemen.

Conerly was an integral part of an offensive line that allowed a mere five sacks throughout the entire 2023 season.

Remarkably, he was responsible for only one of those sacks and just two quarterback hits.

Conerly’s performance was not a one-off occurrence. In 2024, he continued to solidify his reputation as a reliable pass protector.

Despite facing tough opponents, he allowed just one sack over the entire season, which occurred in Week 2 against Boise State.

From that point on, he kept quarterback Dillon Gabriel virtually untouched, only permitting two additional quarterback hits.

This outstanding consistency contributed to him reducing his total pressures allowed from 14 in 2023 to a mere five in 2024.

What sets Conerly apart is his exceptional ability to read and react to defensive schemes.

His high football IQ allows him to anticipate twists and blitzes, making adjustments on the fly to maintain his blocking assignments.

Even when faced with initial defeat by a defensive rusher’s move, Conerly’s athleticism enables him to recover quickly, ensuring continued protection for the quarterback.

The Commanders have recognized Conerly’s remarkable skill set and potential for growth, fitting seamlessly into their strategy of reinforcing the offensive line.

His aptitude in pass protection is a critical asset that helps solidify their commitment to safeguarding Jayden Daniels, their franchise quarterback.

Run-Blocking Capabilities

When you think of Josh Conerly Jr., it’s easy to get caught up in his dominant pass protection skills.

However, his run-blocking abilities deserve just as much attention. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Conerly possesses the physicality and technique to be a force in the run game.

Physical Blocker with Finishing Ability

Conerly is not just a big body on the field; he knows how to use his size to his advantage.

As a run blocker, he exhibits a toughness that makes him particularly effective.

He has a knack for maintaining leverage and getting his hands on defenders, often driving them off the line of scrimmage.

This ability to finish plays and create lanes for ball carriers is a key component of his game.

Impressive Run-Blocking Grade

For his first year as a starter, Conerly achieved a run-block grade of 66 on 317 running plays.

This statistic underscores his capability to perform consistently in a rigorous schedule.

In addition to his physical prowess, Conerly’s run-blocking grade highlights his commitment to mastering the fundamentals of run blocking.

Combining Technical Skill with Power

One of the most impressive aspects of Conerly’s run-blocking is his ability to blend technical skill with raw power.

He understands the importance of footwork, hand placement, and leverage, allowing him to engage defenders effectively.

Combined with his raw strength, Conerly doesn’t just open holes; he creates substantial running lanes that can be exploited by ball carriers for significant gains.

Josh Conerly Jr.’s balanced proficiency in both pass protection and run-blocking makes him a critical addition to the Washington Commanders’ offensive line rebuild.

His ability to dominate at the point of attack will be crucial in taking the pressure off their franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

The Commanders’ Offensive Line Rebuild

The Washington Commanders are making significant moves to revamp their offensive line, with an emphasis on keeping their franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels, upright and healthy.

The addition of Josh Conerly Jr., a highly-regarded tackle from Oregon, marks a pivotal step in their strategy.

Conerly, known for his outstanding pass protection and physical run blocking, complements the recent acquisitions aimed at fortifying the offensive line.

Key Acquisitions

One of the Commanders’ most noteworthy additions before Conerly was the acquisition of left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Tunsil’s presence provides an experienced and reliable anchor on the offensive front, essential for guiding and mentoring younger players like Conerly.

This veteran-prodigy tandem ensures a balanced blend of wisdom and emerging talent, setting a solid foundation on the line’s left side.

Additionally, the Commanders bolstered their offensive line last season by drafting Brandon Coleman.

This young talent brings additional depth and versatility, reinforcing the line’s ability to adapt to various defensive schemes.

With Coleman, Tunsil, and now Conerly, Washington is methodically constructing an impenetrable fortress around Jayden Daniels.

Strategic Priority: Elite Protection

The Commanders’ front office has made it clear that protecting Jayden Daniels is their top priority.

Daniels’ dynamic playstyle necessitates a robust and dependable offensive line capable of neutralizing elite pass rushers.

By bringing in players like Conerly, Tunsil, and Coleman, the Commanders are investing in the long-term health and productivity of their star quarterback.

This strategy not only aims to reduce the risk of injuries but also maximizes Daniels’ potential by giving him the confidence to make plays without constant pressure.

Future Aspirations

The Commanders’ offensive line rebuild is not just about immediate improvements but also about setting the stage for future successes.

With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies, the Commanders are positioning themselves for sustained excellence.

This meticulous approach ensures that Jayden Daniels will have the protection he needs to reach his full potential, enhancing the team’s overall performance for years to come.

2024 Performance Highlights

Josh Conerly Jr. had an outstanding 2024 season that illustrated his potential to be an elite NFL tackle.

The most impressive statistic from his season was allowing only one sack throughout the entire year, which occurred in Week 2 against Boise State.

This remarkable feat showcased his consistency and ability to protect the quarterback under various game conditions.

For the rest of the 2024 season, Conerly flawlessly kept his quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, clean.

His adeptness at pass protection was evident as he effectively neutralized threats and shielded Gabriel from hits. Conerly’s performance in 2024 was a significant improvement from the previous season.

He reduced total pressures from 14 in 2023 to just 5 in 2024, which is a testament to his dedication to refining his skills and understanding defensive strategies.

This reduction in pressures also highlights Conerly’s ability to read and react promptly to complex defensive schemes.

His high football IQ, coupled with exceptional athleticism, allows him to recover and adapt even when initially beaten by defensive moves.

Such qualities are invaluable for the Commanders, whose priority is to protect Jayden Daniels, their franchise quarterback.

Conerly’s 2024 performance underscores why he was such an important addition to the Commanders’ roster, promising stability and strength for their offensive line.

Conclusion: Future Impact for Washington

Josh Conerly Jr. stands out as one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class, poised to leave a remarkable impact on the Washington Commanders’ future.

With his combination of size, strength, and skill, Conerly exemplifies the type of player who can anchor the offensive line and provide stability for years to come.

His impressive pass-blocking grades and track record at Oregon underline his potential to be a game-changer at the professional level.

Strategic Fit with Washington’s Vision

Conerly’s selection aligns perfectly with the Commanders’ strategic vision of building around their franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

Over the past few seasons, the Commanders have made it clear that protecting Daniels is a top priority.

By adding Conerly to their roster, they take another significant step toward establishing a formidable offensive line that can safeguard their quarterback, enhance the passing game, and open up opportunities in the running game.

Foster Development and Leadership

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Conerly not only has the physical attributes needed to succeed but also possesses a high football IQ and the ability to recognize and respond to defensive schemes.

This combination of raw talent and mental acuity gives him the potential to develop into a cornerstone of Washington’s offensive line.

His capacity to “see twists and blitzes developing” and recover athletically when initially beaten demonstrates his readiness to adapt and excel at the next level.

Long-Term Impact

The addition of Conerly fortifies an already improving offensive line, joining forces with seasoned left tackle Laremy Tunsil and fellow draftee Brandon Coleman.

This trio positions the Commanders to achieve immediate improvements while laying the groundwork for sustained excellence in the offensive line.

As Conerly continues to develop under the guidance of the Commanders’ coaching staff, his role as a reliable and dominant tackle seems all but assured.

Looking ahead, Conerly’s presence on the roster not only enhances the Commanders’ protection strategy but also boosts the team’s all-around offensive capabilities.

His growth trajectory suggests that he has the intangibles to become a leader on the line and a key protector of Jayden Daniels for the foreseeable future.