After going 5-12 in 2025, one of the biggest keys for the Washington Commanders this coming year and in the future will be finding growth from the young draft picks they've selected during Adam Peters' time as general manager.
So far, the results in that regard have left more to be desired.
Johnny Newton, Brandon Coleman, and especially Ben Sinnott are all looking like disappointments from the 2024 class. Mike Sainristil and Luke McCaffrey have had ups and downs. Even star quarterback Jayden Daniels needs to prove he can sustain the level of play he performed during his historic rookie campaign, when he led Washington to the NFC Championship game.
Last year's picks have shown a bit more promise. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been a pleasant seventh-round surprise, and Jaylin Lane is an elite punt returner. Trey Amos' rookie year was a wash due to a season-ending injury, but the cornerback flashed when he was available.
Josh Conerly Jr. is putting in the work and Commanders fans are taking notice
Then, there's Josh Conerly Jr.
The No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft got off to a rocky start but improved throughout the year. Now, he's bringing a leaner form into Year 2 that should have him poised for a breakout.
Conerly's primary concern after he was drafted centered on his build. He wasn't physically strong enough to outmuscle edge rushers and protect his quarterback, and it showed all offseason. But this summer, he's been in the gym.
The former Oregon standout has the tools to be a high-quality offensive tackle in the NFL, especially when bookending Washington's protection with Laremy Tunsil. The five-time Pro Bowler has brought him along as an understudy of sorts, and by the end of last season, he was more than holding his own.
Now, with less fat and more muscle, there's no telling what Conerly will be capable of.
A Pro Bowl-level campaign feels like an attainable goal, and providing at least above-average starter production should be the expectation. As long as he makes positive progress from last year, everyone should be happy.
For the foreseeable future, Conerly has one of the most important jobs of anybody on the Commanders. Daniels' health will depend on how much his line can protect him, and the second-year pro is the long-term building block Washington needs as its rock.
The Commanders can't afford Conerly's development to take any steps backward. And by all indications, his second NFL offseason is off to the best possible start.
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