Commanders pass up on future Pro Bowler in the first round of the draft and it raises more questions than answers
The Washington Commanders had some obvious needs heading into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but tackle certainly wasn't at the top of the list.Yet, they still drafted Oregon Ducks tackle Josh Conerly with the 29th overall pick. This comes after trading for Laremy Tunsil during free agency and drafting Brandon Coleman in […]
The Washington Commanders had some obvious needs heading into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but tackle certainly wasn't at the top of the list.
Yet, they still drafted Oregon Ducks tackle Josh Conerly with the 29th overall pick. This comes after trading for Laremy Tunsil during free agency and drafting Brandon Coleman in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
It's not like the Commanders needed a swing tackle, either, as veteran Andrew Wylie can play both left and right tackle. What this immediately signals is the futures of Coleman and Wylie on the right side are in doubt. It wouldn't make any sense for Conerly to be a potential Tunsil replacement, as the veteran still has two years left on his current deal. There's certainly a chance Coleman moves inside to guard, which seems like the most plausible move, at this point. Still, that would consist of relocating two players to two different positions and that doesn't guarantee any success.
What stings, though, is the Commanders passed on a future Pro Bowler in Donovan Ezeiruaku at a position they desperately needed in pass rusher. But, if Conerly cracks the starting lineup on the right side, the Commanders offensive line is in excellent shape.
Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon Ducks Scouting Report
Age: 21 (12/05/2003)
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: No. 30 overall, Round 1
Scouting Report: Josh Conerly Jr. is the definition of a developmental player. In just two full seasons of starting, Conerly has seen significant progression, but he still lacks a lot of key features needed to dominate as an offensive tackle. His pass set could use more juice, he tends to get off balance, and he doesn't have the raw power to overcome bull rushes or dirt defenders yet. Conerly just turned 21 in December, and his frame and movement skills show a lot of potential. He could be the kind of player who struggles if he's thrown into the fire in his first year, but with time to season will be a good player and long-term starter. – Rob Gregson, A to Z College Football
Career Projection: Immediate Quality Starter
Ezeiruaku is also a more polished player, whereas Conerly is still developing. In all, the Commanders missed out on landing an immediate impact player in exchange for a guy who might win a starting job during the summer. That's not totally ideal for a team that really needed to nail the 29th overall pick with no questions asked.
