Jayden Daniels will have some extra protection next season. The Washington Commanders selected offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the 29th pick in Thursday night’s NFL draft.
The 311-pounder started 14 games in each of his last two seasons, allowing just one sack in each campaign. He was a first-team All-American in 2024 and widely regarded as one of the top five tackle prospects in this year’s draft class.
The Commanders hosted Conerly at their Ashburn, Virginia, practice facility as part of their pre-draft process. The newest Commander was impressed.
“The energy in the building, everybody was really live. The energy was high,” he said. “You can just tell there’s good things building.”
The Oregon product impressed at February’s NFL combine with a 1.71 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash, the best mark among this year’s offensive linemen.
“Unbelievable person, great teammate for anything, an amazing player on the field,” Conerly said when asked to describe himself on Thursday night. “Someone that’s going to make sure their quarterback stays upright and opens up lanes for anybody else.”
He joins an overhauled Commanders’ offensive line, including new left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Commanders General Manager Adam Peters sent a package of draft picks to the Houston Texans for the five-time Pro Bowler earlier this offseason.
Offensive lineman Brandon Coleman, who started 12 games at tackle for the Commanders in last year’s rookie campaign, will likely move inside to guard.
The Commanders’ future depends on a healthy Daniels. Adding Conerly in the first round reflects that reality.
Washington’s star quarterback was sacked 47 times in his spectacular first year with the Commanders. Burgundy and Gold supporters were left holding their breath during a handful of hard hits, including a shot to Daniels’ ribs that knocked him out of a Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers.
Peters and the Commanders are back on the clock on Friday — they hold the 29th pick in the second round.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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