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Commanders’ Josh Conerly Jr. focused on the learning curve at minicamp

Offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. is already embracing learning the game and the preparation needed to earn reps.
Darius Hayes|
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly (OL07) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 2, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly (OL07) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders welcomed their 2025 draft class to the field this weekend, as rookie minicamp opened at the team’s training facility.

Offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. stepped onto the grass for Day 2 of rookie minicamp as a Commander, an early milestone in what he hopes will be a long NFL journey.

The Commanders have high expectations for their young prospects, and minicamp offered a fast-paced introduction to the league’s demands. Conerly Jr., known for his athleticism and football IQ coming out of Oregon, is already focused on absorbing as much as possible.

READ MORE: Commanders sign rookie camp tryout player to the 90-man roster

Oregon offensive linemen Charlie Pickard, and Josh Conerly Jr.
Oregon offensive linemen Charlie Pickard, left, and Josh Conerly Jr. work out during practice with the Ducks Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Ore. Sports Spring Football | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

“Really just get out here and work a smaller group of guys, so get to know them as best as I can and then obviously just take all the coaching that I can and absorb that and put it into my play.”

Washington fans watching Conerly will be excited by how much the moment means to the rookie. Conerly shared how this day felt to him.

“Well, the helmet felt great, so I mean it was pretty unreal and it's really just a dream come true, know what I mean?”

Even with the excitement, Conerly is locked in on the learning curve ahead of transitioning from Oregon to the NFL.

“Really that you do have to know your stuff and know it fast, so that's the only way you're going to get out there.”

With that attitude and approach, the rookie lineman has taken a promising first step in his new NFL home. Rookie mini-camp is where NFL careers begin, and for Conerly Jr., he's determined to be successful.

READ MORE: Commanders should have drafted Chiefs WR instead

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

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• One Commanders undrafted rookie already predicted to make 53-man roster

• How to keep track of Commanders' 2025 schedule information

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Darius Hayes
DARIUS HAYES

Darius Hayes is a writer and contributor for 2 On SI sites, where he covers multiple teams as well as the Atlanta Braves. His work reflects his passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. Hayes grew up in Trenton, N.J., and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his Master’s in Communications from Georgia State University. In addition to journalism, Hayes serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He can be followed on Twitter @dariushayes55.

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