Commanders grade revealed for first round pick in NFL Draft

The Washington Commanders are getting their grade for their first round pick in the NFL Draft.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. blocks against Stanford Cardinal linebacker David Bailey.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. blocks against Stanford Cardinal linebacker David Bailey. / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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The Washington Commanders got some protection for quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 29 overall pick in the NFL Draft by taking Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

Sports Illustrated writer Matt Verdarame graded the pick and gave the Commanders a "B" for the move.

READ MORE: Commanders protect Jayden Daniels with first pick in NFL Draft

Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Conerly gets a good grade

"Conerly was viewed by many as a borderline first-round pick as one of the top five offensive tackles in the class. At Oregon, Conerly started 28 games over the past two years while being named first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American. Projected to be a starter on the left side, he could kick inside down the line," Verdarame wrote.

It remains to be seen whether Conerly will play at offensive tackle or at guard. After trading for Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans, the Commanders have shown a willingness to build the team through the trenches.

Conerly will get a chance to prove himself as the Commanders move through their offseason program.

READ MORE: Commanders exploring trade for Dolphins $118 million defensive star

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

More Washington Commanders News

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• Commanders rival Giants select top pass rusher in NFL Draft

• 3 bold NFL Draft predictions that could involve the Commanders

 Commanders could trade No. 29 pick to NFC rival


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.