No 2025 first-round rookie has had a tougher start to their NFL career thus far than Washington Commanders right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., at least according to Pro Football Focus' (PFF) latest assessments ($).
In fairness to Conerly, he's been thrown to the wolves. This year's No. 29 overall pick faced a New York Giants squad that boasts one of the best front sevens in football in his pro debut. Washington's ensuing contest against the Micah Parsons-led Green Bay Packers wasn't any softer of a matchup for him.
Week 3 won't get any easier for Conerly with star defensive end Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders coming to town. But after getting chewed up and spit out twice, hopefully the third time's a charm for the Commanders newcomer.
Besides, it's not like things can get any worse, right?
Commanders rookie Josh Conerly Jr. has opportunity to shed early 'bust' label vs. Raiders
Washington's upcoming clash with the Raiders presents an opportunity for Conerly to put his early struggles in the rearview mirror sooner rather than later. Stacking poor performances will derail the youngster's confidence, though an improved showing versus Crosby could turn the tide.
Beyond Crosby, Las Vegas shouldn't pose too much of a threat to Conerly, especially compared to the Giants and Packers. PFF has the Raiders tied with the Arizona Cardinals for 20th in pass-rushing grade. For context, New York and Green Bay are each in the top 10.
Nonetheless, the Raiders are sixth in ESPN's pass rush win rate through two games. Crosby is 10th in this metric among edge defenders, leading the league in individual victories over his blocker (12). He's a one-man wrecking crew who makes everyone around him better; cracking this code would expedite what's been an ostensibly steep learning curve for Conerly.
Notably, most of Conerly's problems in Green Bay came when blocking tight end John Bates went out with a groin issue. However, the latter is reportedly "a long shot" to suit up for Washington's showdown with the Raiders, further complicating matters for the former.
With Bates on the wrong side of questionable, Conerly might very well find himself on an island again. Meanwhile, starting right guard Sam Cosmi is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season, with turnstile Nick Allegretti replacing him. Washington's injury woes are putting even more pressure on their latest Day 1 selection, but they also set him up for a fantastic bounce-back story.
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