The Washington Commanders may have drafted an offensive tackle at No. 29 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, but they also traded for a five-time Pro Bowler last month. After Thursday’s first round was complete, Washington general manager Adam Peters met with the local media to discuss the Commanders’ selection of Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
It didn’t take long for reporters to ask Peters where Conerly would play next season. While the GM did not give a definitive answer on Conerly, he did on Laremy Tunsil.
“The only one I can say is [Laremy Tunsil] LT gonna be on at LT,” Peters said. The Commanders sent multiple draft picks to the Houston Texans last month for Tunsil, who has two years remaining on his current contract.
The move to acquire Tunsil and draft Conerly demonstrates Washington’s commitment to significantly improving its offensive line. Brandon Coleman, a third-round pick last season, played left tackle as a rookie. While Coleman filled in admirably, he played left tackle out of necessity and struggled in some games, particularly against the Philadelphia Eagles. Before last year’s draft, many believed his best NFL position would be guard.
With Tunsil and Conerly on the roster, the Commanders will likely have two new starting offensive tackles next season. Last year’s right tackle, Andrew Wylie, could play right guard until Sam Cosmi returns from a knee injury, while Coleman will likely compete with holdover Nick Allegretti at left guard.
Here’s Peters’ full quote on who will play where.
“I think, you know what’s cool about our team and our program and how DQ coaches is, it’s competition and iron sharpens iron,” Peters said. “So, I think probably the only one I can say, you know, and we’ll leave these up to the coaches.”
Peters also conveyed he believes Conerly can also play guard, leaving open the possibility that Coleman will play right tackle.
“To answer your question more specifically, he can play guard and he can play tackle, so he’s played both,” he said. “He played a little right tackle in the Senior Bowl and that’s not totally foreign to him and he’s practiced at it. So, you know, whether it’s left guard, right guard, right tackle, I don’t think it’ll be center, although I do think he could play center if we needed him to, that’s probably what we will compete at those spots.”
Regardless of who plays where, Washington’s offensive line will look much different in 2025 — and that’s a good thing.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: GM Adam Peters is clear that Laremy Tunsil is the left tackle
