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Rookie Josh Conerly Jr. Generating Buzz in First Minicamp: 'JC's gonna be a dog'

Max Torres Author Profileby: Max Torres06/15/25mtorressports
Josh Conerly
Washington Commanders rookie offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. at minicamp. (Photo by: © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Oregon’s been producing NFL offensive linemen at an impressive clip in recent years.

Josh Conerly Jr., Dan Lanning‘s first 5-star recruit at Oregon, is the latest former Duck offensive lineman to head to the NFL after being selected by the Washington Commanders with the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Conerly was the fourth Oregon offensive lineman to be selected in the first-round, joining joining Penei Sewell (2020), Kyle Long (2013) and Tim Drougas (1972). He was also one of two former Oregon players selected in the first-round, along with defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, who was selected with the 21st overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now in Washington D.C., Conerly is preparing for his rookie season with the the Commanders, who finished second in the NFC standings last season with a 12-5 record.

Washington just wrapped mandatory minicamp earlier this month, and one of the team’s most veteran offensive linemen sees a world of potential in the former Duck.

“You know who I’m really impressed with? JC. JC’s gonna be a dog,” offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil told reporters this week. “And I’m not just saying that just to blow smoke up his a**. JC’s gonna be a dog, (I) can’t wait to see it.”

Tunsil, who was acquired by the Commanders via trade in March, is slated to play left tackle and protect franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels‘ blind side, while the rookie Conerly is expected to slide in at right tackle.

What makes Tunsil so bullish on Conerly?

“Just the way he moves. The way he bends,” Tunsil remarked. “Athletic, smart, very intelligent. I think he’s got all the tools to be a damn good player in this league.”

Conerly’s arrival in Eugene came with a lot of excitement and it’s safe to say that he delivered in his three-year career with the Ducks.

He played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2022 and spent the last two seasons as A’lique Terry‘s starting left tackle. Oregon finished as a Joe Moore Award finalist in two of his three seasons.

He was named an third-team All-American by the Associated Press and All-Big Ten first-team by the coaches and media. Now he’s poised to make an instant impact with the Commanders in 2025 as they look to build off a tremendous season in 2024.

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