Can the Commanders Afford to Draft Ultra-Athletic Tackle Josh Conerly, Jr.?

Josh Conerly, Jr., OT
School: Oregon | Conference: Big Ten
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6’5” / 311 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 1st-2nd Round

Player Comparison: Charles Cross

Player Overview

Josh Conerly, Jr. was a running back, linebacker, and defensive end in high school before an injury forced him to play offensive line. Although he also played basketball in high school, he became a five-star prospect in football. With offers from several big-name schools - Michigan, Texas, Alabama, Penn State, LSU - Conerly, Jr. chose to stay relatively close to his home of Seattle and play at Oregon.

Once in Eugene, Conerly, Jr. saw the field quickly. He played in all 13 of the Ducks’ games, splitting snaps between left tackle and special teams. His play in limited snaps was impressive as he did not allow a pressure as a freshman. Next season, Conerly, Jr. took over as the starting left tackle on a stellar offensive line. Conerly, Jr. surrendered one sack in 511 pass-blocking opportunities. This performance led to him being named All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention. In his final season, Conerly, Jr. earned All-Big Ten honors for another season where he only gave up one sack on the way to the Ducks becoming Big Ten champions.

Strengths

• Quick, light feet help him move with ease
• Great awareness and technique to handle stunts
• Hands are always active with accurate strikes
• Effective down blocker, clearing his side of the line
• Identifies and eliminates targets in space

Weaknesses

• Anchor is inconsistent in pass pro
• Grip strength could be better to latch on to defenders
• Could generate more power and movement in the run game

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

With the trade for Laremy Tunsil a year after drafting Brandon Coleman, it’s easy to think that the Commanders might be done at offensive tackle. Add in improved play from Andrew Wylie along with depth players like Trent Scott, Anim Dankwah, and Foster Sarell and the need at the position may appear to be met. However, when you consider the loss of swing tackle Cornelius Lucas and this being the last year of Wylie’s contract, the position looks a little less settled beyond this season.

Josh Conerly, Jr. presents an opportunity for the Commanders to get a young, talented offensive tackle of the future before it becomes a much larger need. He’s an elite athlete at the position that can get anywhere on the field and execute effective blocks. All of Conerly, Jr.’s weaknesses stem from being young and needing to get stronger. He would have time to do that without being forced into action as Tunsil, Coleman, and Wylie handle the tackle duties. Can a team that is trying to win now use a premium draft pick on a player that will not make an instant impact? If the Commanders do, they’ll be getting a player who could be a core contributor for years to come.