Kliff Kingsbury wanted to make sure the Washington Commanders got his man. And the progressive play-caller channeled his inner Kevin Costner to ensure Adam Peters heeded his advice.
The offensive coordinator became convinced Josh Conerly Jr. was the prospect Washington should take at No. 29 overall. They didn't have a huge need at the offensive tackle position after striking a bombshell trade for five-time Pro Bowl blindside enforcer Laremy Tunsil, but Peters is always going to take the best players available regardless. That proved to be the case once again.
And Kingsbury had a huge say in proceedings, albeit hilariously and unconventionally.
Everyone knows the 'Vontae Mack, no matter what' post-it that Sonny Weaver Jr. (played by Costner), in the hit film Draft Day. Kingsbury's note was a lot bigger, but the message he left on general manager Adam Peters' desk was loud and clear.
Kliff Kingsbury leaves emphatic message for Commanders GM Adam Peters before Josh Conerly Jr. pick
"I stopped by. Take the Oregon tackle."
Peters made this public knowledge after the pick was made amid jubilant scenes in Washington's war room. Conerly comes with Day 1 starting promise on the edge. He's athletic, technically sound, and boasts an immensely high ceiling given his age and current trajectory.
The former Oregon star also didn't allow a single pressure when going up against Abdul Carter. Of course, he'll now face him twice a season after the edge rusher was drafted No. 3 overall by the New York Giants.
Trading down was contemplated by Peters, but no offer he deemed acceptable arrived. The Commanders were also playing the board effectively, knowing that several offensive linemen had gone in the first round before they went on the clock. Not taking Conerly at No. 29 would have guaranteed he went elsewhere.
This shakes up the offensive line dynamic. However, Peters is always thinking two steps ahead and has removed sentiment from the equation.
He knows Andrew Wylie is heading into the final year of his deal and probably won't return in 2026. He knows Brandon Coleman is far from a sure thing on the edge, so a future on the interior seems more obvious now. The front-office leader is also aware that stud right guard Sam Cosmi is set to miss most if not all of the upcoming campaign with a torn ACL.
That's called long-term planning and placing the team's interests above all else. It's been a long time since the Commanders were run with such professionalism. And looking at the returns Peters got from his first draft class, fans have complete trust that Conerly can emerge quickly into a valuable contributor.
Kingsbury's message was heard. He now has another athletic edge presence to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels. Just how much his message tipped the scales is anyone's guess, but it didn't hurt, that's for sure.
It's now up to Conerly to repay this faith.