When Roger Goodell stepped up to the podium to announce the Washington Commanders' selection at pick No. 29 in the 2025 NFL Draft, most were probably expecting a defensive lineman or running back, looking at how the board shook out. That wasn't the case.
Instead, it was Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
This was somewhat perplexing, considering the Commanders just traded for five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil at the same position. That said, Conerly can be moved around the offensive line, and it's never a bad idea to provide as much protection as possible when you have a young star quarterback such as Jayden Daniels.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was a strong proponent of the pick, delivering a note to general manager Adam Peters to select the Oregon product. That seemed to be the consensus in Washington's draft room, too.
Commanders under pressure to hit on Day 2 after Josh Conerly Jr. luxury
There is a strong chance that Conerly ends up being a stud for the Commanders. Anyone questioning the team's strategy in taking him should at least wait to see how things play out on the field first. However, what the selection means for Washington is that there is much less room for error the rest of the way.
First of all, it is probably safe to assume the Commanders won't be addressing their running back room this offseason after taking Conerly. The idea of drafting a dynamic backfield threat to complete the offense was enticing, but would only have been worth it if they could land one of the draft's elite rushers, such as Omarion Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson.
Hampton was snagged up by the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 22. Henderson will likely be gone by the time Washington picks again at No. 61.
And that's okay.
One more year of the Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler tandem isn't the end of the world before both hit free agency in 2025. After that, the Commanders can make their move. What's much more urgent is the defensive line hole, particularly at the edge rusher position.
Washington cannot afford to enter the season with Clelin Ferrell, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Deatrich Wise Jr., and Jacob Martin as its only options. That would jeopardize all the hard work being done by Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.
There are still quite a few quality defensive ends out there, including Marshall's Mike Green, Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku, Oregon's Jordan Burch, and Ohio State's J.T. Tuimoloau. Washington must grab one of them on Day 2, should any remain available.
If not, then Peters and company may be kicking themselves for not doing so in the first round. The Conerly pick could very well be a worthwhile move on its own merits, but it could also spell dire consequences for the rest of the Commanders' roster.