Outstanding performance against Michigan proves Oregon offensive lineman deserves more NFL Draft respect
The college football season is, shocking, already well into the second half. Most teams have only three or four regular season games remaining. Personally, I have no idea how we're already here, but we are.With the season winding on, the 2025 NFL Draft buzz is continuing to steadily grow. This is me standing on my […]
The college football season is, shocking, already well into the second half. Most teams have only three or four regular season games remaining. Personally, I have no idea how we're already here, but we are.
With the season winding on, the 2025 NFL Draft buzz is continuing to steadily grow. This is me standing on my soap box yelling to the draft community that Oregon left tackle Josh Conerly Jr deserves far more love than he's currently getting, with his performance against Michigan's vaunted defensive line serving as a resume-building game.
Against Michigan, Conerly had 37 true pass blocking reps, and he was nails — Conerly was not charged with a single pressure or hurry allowed. He was a huge part of neutralizing an elite defensive front as Oregon put a blowout victory on Michigan in The Big House.
Conerly widely isn't getting much buzz as a top-5 offensive tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft class, which I think is a mistake. Conerly has plenty of size and length at 6'4" 315 lbs, and has been a locked in starter at left tackle for the last two seasons, only allowing two sacks in his last 909 pass blocking snaps, according to PFF.
He has athleticism, great footwork, strong hands, and excellent balance. Conerly is a polished and pro-ready left tackle, and his success at the position is a key part to Oregon's offensive line developing great stability as the season has gone on.
As Oregon continues their quest for a deep College Football Playoffs run, Conerly will be right at the center of their ambitions. Hopefully the NFL Draft community begins to wake up to him.
Oregon Ducks could be in line for another huge win after Big Ten road victory over Michigan
Oregon keeps getting after it.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
