“We got another great new Commander.” This is what the Washington Commanders’ GM Adam Peter said after selecting Josh Conerly Jr, an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Great, right? This versatile OT will surely gonna protect Jayden Daniels. But you know what happened behind the scenes before picking him up? There was a bit of difference of opinion in the front office, per the latest reports.
As we also discussed in our mock drafts, the Washington team needs a defensive player to defend the team against all odds. Restricting opponents from gaining more yards and shutting down touchdown attempts play a major role in the postseason. That’s why the defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt, needed a defender in the first round, but Adam Peters couldn’t agree with him. Now, with Day 2 just a few hours away, Peters has clarified whether the team will pick an offensive player or listen to Whitt’s opinion.
John Keim reported what Adam Peters thinks about day 2. “It’s just looking at our board and picking the highest player on our board,” the GM started. Peters also added, “So, I don’t think there’s any pressure to pick a defensive guy, except I feel bad for [Defensive Coordinator] Joe Whitt a little bit. But he was extremely supportive of this pick, too.” There is no doubt that Joe Whitt wanted to or wants to add a defensive guy on the board.
Peters on Day 2: “It’s just looking at our board and picking the highest player on our board. So I don’t think there’s any pressure to pick a defensive guy except I feel bad for [Defensive Coordinator] Joe Whitt a little bit but, he was extremely supportive of this pick too.”
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 25, 2025
If we look at the Commanders’ defense rankings for the 2025 season, their defense allowed 326.9 yards per game. They were 29th in rushing defense. And as we mentioned above, their defense has allowed 421.3 yards per game in the playoffs 2024, which Whitt doesn’t want to tolerate again. If that’s not enough, the Commanders’ defense has allowed a staggering 45 TDs in the regular season and 14 in the playoffs. That is why Joe Whitt’s defensive squad ranks 13th despite making it to the championship round. And which players was/is the DC eyeing?
So, the rumors were swirling around the Washington team that they wanted to pick Donovan Ezeiruaku, an edge from Boston College. But hopefully, he is still available to be drafted in round 2. And apart from that, linebacker Jay Higgins was also one of the rumored players from Iowa, which Joe Whitt, DC of the Commanders, may want to draft.
But let’s see how Day 2 will go. As General Manager Adam Peters also mentioned, there’s a strong possibility they might target another offensive player to support Jayden Daniels further. Whether it’s adding depth to the offensive line or bringing in another weapon at wide receiver or tight end, their focus seems to be on surrounding their young quarterback with as much help as possible.
Jayden Daniels gets Oregon’s talented OT
“With the 29th pick in the 2025 NFL draft, the Washington Commanders select Josh Conerly Jr, offensive tackle, Oregon.” This is what NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced, and it was finalized that Josh Conerly is going to Washington. It’s a great addition to Jayden Daniels’s protection squad. The team already has Brandon Coleman, Nick Allegretti, and so on. But picking Josh has lit up eyes. But why?
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay, Florida, USA Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. January 12, 2025, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels with blood on his face at Raymond James Stadium. Photo by Marty Jean-Louis/Sipa USA NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGx. AUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExIND. xIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARx’ OMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVE. NxYEMxONLY Copyright: xMartyxJean-Louisx Editorial use only.
Josh started for the 14 games for the Oregon Ducks in 2024. He managed the left tackle position so well that the Commanders picked him up at the right time. However, as the Commanders have acquired Laremy Tunsil this offseason, Josh may not play at the left tackle position, which is his strength. But that’s not even a point. Josh Conerly Jr is completely fine to shift his position if the team needs him at the right tackle position. According to his 2024 stats, this tackling beast has allowed only one sack all season. Well, now the only excitement is seeing him protecting star QB Jayden Daniels. Last season, the Commanders’ offensive line allowed opponents 47 times to sack Jayden Daniels. But now, with Josh Conerly Jr., the team’s offensive side will improve or remain stable.
If you look at his analysis by NFL analysts, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has perfectly described Josh Conerly’s strengths and weaknesses. The analyst said, “Conerly is proportionally built but lacks ideal play strength. He strains at the point of attack but needs to get his hips and hands synced to improve as a finisher. He moves easily in space and gets to his angles to help spring the run. Conerly sets with smooth slides and ready hands but gets caught over-setting.” Along with that, composed movements, hard acceleration, and well-balanced slides are his strongest points.
Currently, it looks like Adam Peters has made a good decision not to listen to Joe Whitt in round one. I think the GM knows what he is doing. In his first year, Jayden Daniels has led the team to the championship round. So, adding help to him would indirectly give the QB strength. Now, let’s wait until the season starts and see if Josh Conerly Jr. is going to show the same spirit on the Washington team. Well, surely, he will.
The post Commanders DC to Influence Adam Peters’ Day-2 Draft Plans as Jayden Daniels Gets New OT appeared first on EssentiallySports.
