The NFL has a way of putting rookies through the fire, and Washington Commanders offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. more than sat on the burner in Week 2.
Tasked with slowing down All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, the Washington right tackle had a performance to forget.
He was beaten off the edge, exposed in space, and at times looked overwhelmed by the speed of the game. It was abysmal, no question. But it shouldn’t be treated as a red flag — it’s a reminder of the long road rookies face, especially when asked to make major transitions.
It was a night to forget for rookie OT Josh Conerly Jr (56 pass pro snaps):
• 9 pressures
• 5 hurries
• 3 sacks
• 1 QB hit
~ 21.7 pass pro effectiveness grade
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 12, 2025
Commanders fans should pump the brakes on knee-jerk reactions surrounding Josh Conerly Jr.
Conerly entered the league as one of the most athletically gifted offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class, a natural left tackle at Oregon whose footwork and fluidity jumped off the screen. Washington, however, needed him on the right side.
Switching edges may sound like a minor detail, but the mechanics are almost mirror opposites. Footwork, hand placement, even how defenders line up and attack — all of it changes. For a first-year pro learning the league’s speed and complexity at the same time, while also protecting the arm side of Jayden Danies, it’s a triple adjustment.
That’s why his early struggles should be taken in context.
Parsons is a nightmare matchup for anyone, and Conerly is learning under the toughest conditions possible. The whispers about shifting veteran Andrew Wylie back into the role make sense from a stability standpoint, but pulling the plug too early could stunt Conerly’s growth.
Offensive tackle is a developmental position. Reps, coaching, and patience are the lifeblood of success. Living in a microwave society — where everyone expects results in a flash — doesn't help a young player in his career arc. Still, it remains important in a wide lens.
Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson has already emphasized technique refinement and confidence-building in practice. Conerly’s natural traits — his quick feet, ability to reset in space, and the athleticism to mirror rushers — are things you can’t teach. What he needs is time to stack positive reps, learn how to use his hands more effectively, and strengthen his anchor against power rushers.
Live game reps never hurt. They are the best way for young players to adjust on the fly.
For a franchise that made the NFC title game last season, traded for Laremy Tunsil to shore up Daniels' blindside, and made splash moves elsewhere, it’s easy for fans to expect immediate results across the board. But offensive line development rarely works that way.
Names like Joe Thomas and Trent Williams didn’t become national household names after two starts. They grew into their roles with experience, trust, and the occasional rough outing along the way.
Conerly’s ceiling remains unchanged, for now. It's extremely early days.
If the Commanders remain patient, the athletic platform that made him a first-round pick will translate. He may take his lumps in 2025, but it's all part of the process.
The Commanders don’t need to panic. Let coaching and development do their work, and give Conerly the chance to become the bookend tackle he was drafted to be.
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