The Washington Commanders selected Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Conerly played in every game for the Ducks during his three seasons in Eugene, making 41 appearances, and started all 28 games at left tackle over the past two years.
A third-team All-American selection by the Associated Press and first-team All-Big Ten selection last season as a junior, he played 965 snaps on offense for an Oregon team that led the Big Ten in total yards per game (437.4). The Ducks posted a 13-1 record, including a win in the Big Ten championship game, and reached the Rose Bowl.
Conerly also started all 14 games at left tackle for Oregon as a sophomore in 2023, playing 901 snaps on offense. He appeared in all 13 games as a freshman and caught a touchdown pass.
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Conerly ranked No. 23 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“After transitioning to the offensive line as a high school sophomore, he made steady improvements each season, and he played his best ball over the second half of his final year in Eugene. A quick, fluid mover, Conerly has the range to reach his landmarks laterally in pass protection and on the move, at the second level and in the run game.
“Because of the underdeveloped parts of his game, he will put himself in some compromised positions, especially against power rushers, but his recovery balance is exceptional. Overall, Conerly must continue refining his hands and core strength, but he is on the right trajectory and enters the NFL with a promising foundation based on athletic movements and body control. Currently a ‘bend, don’t break’ blocker, he has the talent to become a solid starter early in his NFL career.”
Special talent 🦆@joshuaconerlyjr x #NFLCombine #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/VH3KtSuZ0I
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) March 2, 2025
Come back later for more analysis of Conerly.
(Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)