Josh Conerly Jr. – The Unseen Gem of Oregon’s Offensive Line

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one name that might fly under the radar among the elite offensive tackle prospects is Josh Conerly Jr. The 6’4″, 315-pound offensive lineman from the University of Oregon may not have the same level of media attention as some of his counterparts, but his skill set, potential, and versatility make him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.

Background and College Career:

Josh Conerly Jr. made an immediate impact at Oregon, starting as a true freshman and never looking back. Over his three years at Oregon, he has become a dominant force in both pass protection and the run game. As a sophomore in 2023, Conerly secured first-team All-Pac-12 honors and demonstrated his ability to neutralize opposing pass rushers.

The 2024 season cemented Conerly’s place as one of the top offensive linemen in the country. He was named first-team All-American and second-team All-Pac-12 due to his excellent play. His combination of size, footwork, and quickness make him a premier tackle prospect in this class.

Strengths and Skill Set:

• Versatility: Conerly’s size and mobility allow him to excel in multiple blocking schemes, both in pass protection and the run game.
• Agility: Despite his size, Conerly moves well for a man of his stature. His lateral movement and ability to mirror pass rushers in space are top-tier.
• Anchor Strength: His ability to stop bull rushes and maintain solid positioning in the pocket is a major asset.

NFL Comparison:

Comparison: Willie Roaf (New Orleans Saints)

• Height/Weight: Both Conerly and Willie Roaf are 6’4″ and around 315 pounds, with similar frames.
• Play Style: Like Roaf, Conerly excels as a tackle who can dominate both in the running game and as a pass protector. His ability to adjust in space and shut down speed rushers is reminiscent of Roaf’s skill set.
• NFL Impact: Just as Roaf has been a key player for the Saints’ offensive line, Conerly has the potential to anchor an NFL line and protect his quarterback’s blind side for years to come.

Conclusion:

Josh Conerly Jr. is an athletic, technically sound offensive tackle who has the potential to thrive at the next level. His versatility and ability to dominate in various blocking schemes give him a high ceiling, and his NFL comparison to Lane Johnson suggests that he could develop into one of the league’s top tackles.