Even after trading for Laremy Tunsil and re-signing depth pieces like Trent Scott and Michael Deiter, it was always a possibility that Adam Peters would spend the Washington Commanders’ first-round pick on another offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft.
When the Commanders chose Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 pick, it should not have come as a big surprise. Still, a lot of analysts and fans alike seem to have been caught a little bit off guard.
The Commanders appeared to have more pressing immediate needs at other positions. They lost their sack leader from 2024 and have a weakness on the defensive edge. The cupboard isn’t exactly bare at cornerback, but Washington does not have a young, prototypical bigger perimeter option that can match up against the league’s taller wide receivers.
There were edges and bigger corners available when Peters’ turn came. But he passed. Taking Conerly is part of a smarter, long-range plan that reveals a lot about the general manager's philosophy.
Josh Conerly Jr. was the perfect pick for Commanders' long-term plan
On a very fundamental level, Peters does not believe in reaching for prospects, especially early in the draft. No prospect is “can’t-miss”, but given his age, attitude, production, and physical attributes, Conerly has a better chance for long-term success than any of the position-of-need players available late in the first round.
Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku must have been enticing to the Commanders. Both edges offer high ceilings as pass rushers, but both also come with red flags that are entirely related to their size.
You can’t teach size.
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, on paper, seems like an ideal piece to add to the secondary alongside Marshon Latimore and his college teammate Mike Sainristil. But his injury situation and lack of elite speed also raise doubts.
There are concerns about Conerly as well, but they are entirely related to technical issues and experience. Whatever weaknesses exist in the former Oregon star's game are things that can be taught. He will likely improve.
This is virtually identical to what Peters found last year in Brandon Coleman. Like the TCU product, Conerly is a college tackle who has the attributes to play on the outside but could also be easily shifted to the interior.
Conerly was more productive in college. This is why he went in the first round as opposed to Coleman, who went in the third, but they fit the same profile. Both are big men with excellent feet. Both are young and should only get stronger and more efficient with professional coaching.
Most importantly, the selection of Conerly shows just how Peters sees his current situation. The Commanders have a good offensive line, but like all these prospects, it also has red flags.
Sam Cosmi will return one day, but no one can be sure that he will be back at his dominant level until 2026. Andrew Wylie is a free agent after this season. Coleman was pretty good when thrust into the left tackle spot as a rookie, but his best position may still be at guard.
Conerly is another talented, versatile piece that will allow Kliff Kingsbury and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson the freedom to move pieces around.
If you are a fan of position-of-need selections, the Commanders do need more linemen. Even with five reasonable starters on the roster (six, if you include Cosmi), Conerly’s presence helps protect and elevate the single biggest part of Washington's future, both short and long-term.
Maximizing Jayden Daniels’ production is the biggest objective above all else. You do that by giving him weapons and keeping Micah Parsons and Jalen Carter away from him.
Look at the big moves Peters has made this year. Deebo Samuel Sr. Tunsil. Now, Conerly. The thought process is clear. Surround Daniels with everything possible to make him the best quarterback in the league.
Peters won’t ignore his defense. But there were no near-lock defenders available at No. 29. And there were no knock-your-socks-off prospects at wide receiver or running back.
The Commanders did not reach out of need, which was very wise. Conerly was the most sure-fire player on the board when Peters had to make his decision. The fact that he also fills a less-immediate need makes his selection, in hindsight, seem obvious.
