A first-round tackle out of Oregon who fought through a rocky rookie start to become a reliable protector up front.
Josh Conerly Jr. arrived in Washington as a former five-star recruit and two-year starter at left tackle for Oregon, taken 29th overall to help protect quarterback Jayden Daniels. Moved to the right side as a rookie, he weathered some early struggles before developing into a steadying presence on the offensive line.
Path to the league
A Rainier Beach High School product out of Seattle, Conerly started for two seasons at left tackle at Oregon. In 2024 he was named a third-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten, allowing just one sack across 494 pass-blocking snaps. Washington drafted him 29th overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Conerly's college tape showed elite pass-protection numbers, surrendering only nine total pressures in his final Oregon season. Commanders general manager Adam Peters called him the highest-graded player on Washington's board when he fell to the back of the first round.
2025 season recap
Conerly started as a rookie at right tackle after Washington had already added veteran Laremy Tunsil at left tackle. He struggled out of the gate, including a nine-pressure game against Green Bay early on, but improved steadily through the year and was seen as trending toward a long-term answer at tackle by season's end.
Sources
- Commanders.com: Commanders draft Josh Conerly Jr. with No. 29 overall pick
- ESPN: Josh Conerly Jr.
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Offensive Tackle
- Group
- offense
- College
- Oregon
- Hometown
- Seattle, WA, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
Latest news about Josh Conerly Jr.
All news →Jayden Daniels Opts for Brace Over Surgery, Could Return From Elbow Dislocation in London
Update: Daniels chose a brace and rehab over surgery, practiced on a limited basis in England and says he is taking it day by day. His status for Sunday's game against Indianapolis in London is uncertain.
Commanders' Laremy Tunsil Suffers Torn Triceps, Set to Miss Significant Time
The left tackle was hurt in a one-on-one pass-rush drill against Odafe Oweh and will likely need surgery, just months after signing a record-setting extension.
