Washington Commanders Draft Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Commanders selected Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the 29th pick in the NFL Draft on April 24, 2025. This decision comes as the team aims to bolster its offensive line to better protect franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Conerly has shown promise as a highly rated talent. He played a significant role for the Ducks, starting all 28 games at left tackle over his last two seasons. Last year, Conerly earned third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press and was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection.

The young tackle gained attention for his performance as a pass-blocker, recording only one sack allowed and two quarterback hits in 2024. His overall pass-blocking grade was a noteworthy 76.9 during that season. ‘He sees twists and blitzes developing and recovers with athleticism when beaten,’ a scouting report noted.

During his tenure at Oregon, Conerly played a notable role on an offensive line that only allowed five sacks in 2023. His preparation included extensive training and participation in various NFL Draft events, where he impressed teams with his skills.

Conerly’s four-year contract with the Commanders is projected to be worth nearly $15.7 million, including an $8 million signing bonus. With this addition, Washington hopes to continue improving its offensive tactics after trading for left tackle Laremy Tunsil last month.

As Conerly transitions into the NFL, he joins a select group as the fourth offensive lineman from Oregon to be drafted in the first round, showcasing the university’s continued success in producing top-tier talent.