He’s playing like anything but a first-round NFL draft pick, but Josh Conerly Jr.’s performances for the Washington Commanders have prompted strong words and a bold prediction from his fellow offensive tackle, Laremy Tunsil.
The veteran warned the naysayers not to “get on the bandwagon two or three years down the line, he’s All-Pro. Don’t get on the bandwagon, you know, ’cause you weren’t with him from the start. ‘Cause he gonna be a great player.” per NBC4 Sports.
Tunsil made the bold prediction about Conerly’s future when speaking with reporters and discussing the rookie’s shaky outing against the Green Bay Packers and roving stud pass-rusher Micah Parsons in Week 2. Although Conerly, the 29th player take in this year’s draft, struggled, Tunsil is preaching patience.
The 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowler reminded those asking the questions it took him until his “third year in the league” to get “over the hump,” thanks to intense competition. Tunsil was a member of the Miami Dolphins back then, and he remembered how going against All-Pro pass-rusher Robert Quinn “everyday in practice” made him a better player.
Tunsil explained Quinn “used to kick my butt every day.” The tough lessons doled out by Quinn meant Tunsil “had to learn.” I had to adjust, I had to watch film, I had to switch on my technique.”
Those are excellent pointers for Conerly to follow, but the former Oregon standout’s steep learning curve isn’t the only reason the Commanders are struggling up front.
Josh Conerly Jr. Struggling for Commanders
Conerly’s problems have been spotlighted since he was toyed with by Parsons and other Packers pass-rushers on Thursday Night Football. One former Commanders head coach even urged the team to bench the struggling first-year pro against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
That would be a clear indictment of Conerly’s slow start to life in the NFL, but the Commanders have to be wary about exposing Conerly to Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby. The latter is a relentless force as one of the most effective quarterback hunters in the game, while Conerly has allowed four sacks and 11 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Those aren’t the numbers the Commanders expect from a player who cost premium draft capital, but there’s still an upside. It comes from Conerly only being 21, a raw but natural athlete who has the physical tools to dominate.
Conerly needs to put it all together, but he also needs better help from other Commanders blockers. It’s why changes in the trenches are good news for Conerly.
Commanders Changing Offensive Line
Change has begun with Andrew Wylie replacing Nick Allegretti at right guard, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Wylie’s the player Conerly was drafted to replace, but the veteran has a strong pedigree. He helped the 2022 Kansas City Chiefs win a Super Bowl, so Wylie can solidify things until stellar interior mauler Sam Cosmi returns from injury.