Maybe that’s how Karma hits you hard. Last season, the Michigan Wolverines’ head coach was the reason behind Brian Kelly’s woes. Sherrone Moore had snatched away the No.1 quarterback recruit, Bryce Underwood, from the LSU Tigers. Kelly might have dreamt highly of Underwood coming off as the perfect package. That’s when having a fat fortune reserve helped the Wolverines to dish out a more lucrative deal on the table. But maybe it’s time for Moore to feel that sting that Kelly had felt. However, not many know, they had already felt the pain back in 2022 after losing a 21-year-old offensive tackle to a Big Ten competitor. Now that he has the confirmed ticket to the 2025 NFL Draft, a Michigan insider nudges the old wound.
Josh Conerly Jr. has been with Dan Lanning’s Oregon while they were still part of the Pac-12. In his first season in 2022, he played 13 games and came up with 4 yards. And kept on spreading magic for the next two seasons in Eugene. However, the Wolverines had their eyes on the player, even before Moore had stepped in. Back in April 2022, Conerly Jr. was ranked as the No.15 player in the class. After much delay in coming to a conclusion in December and February, finally, in April, he committed to play for the Ducks. However, Wolverines offered Conerly Jr. back in April 2020 and seemed to be the favorite to land the 6-foot-5, 283-pounder early in his recruitment.
But over time, Michigan failed to keep up with the momentum on Conerly Jr., with distance factoring in as he ultimately decided to stay on the West Coast. As time passed by, it was time for the player to take off to the pro league. As the 2025 NFL Draft opened doors, the Washington Commanders selected Oregon offensive tackle Conerly Jr. with the 29th pick. And what better time to rub salt on Moore’s Michigan’s old wounds? On April 24, Michigan insider EJ Holland came up with a reality check. He wrote, “Josh Conerly was a tough loss for Michigan. Checked all the boxes. Wolverines fell just short in his race. Absolutely loved him as a prospect.” To nudge Moore and Co. a little more, he reshared an old post.
Josh Conerly was a tough loss for Michigan. Checked all the boxes. Wolverines fell just short in his race. Absolutely loved him as a prospect. https://t.co/IlGR2wRiLX
— “EJ Holland” (@EJHollandOn3) April 25, 2025
On September 5, 2021, a Michigan insider pushed hard and was confident about the Wolverines in Conerly Jr.’s race. He wrote, “Rivals100 OL Josh Conerly (@joshuaconerlyjr) is a massive tackle with so much upside. The dancing bear played on both sides of the ball last night & led Rainier Beach to a 33-0 win. Conerly is a top Michigan target this cycle & is ready for his Sept. 11 official visit. #GoBlue.” But the top offensive lineman slipped away and landed with Oregon in 2022, where he was able to leave his mark. Last season in 2024, Conerly Jr. was named a First-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten. Later on, he had picked up the NFL buzz.
Josh Conerly Jr.’s fit check in the Washington Commanders
Things turned in Conerly Jr.’s favor after he took part in the 2025 NFL Combine. Standing tall at 6-5, 311 pounds, with an arm span of 33.5 inches and hand size of 10.4 inches, he had heavy expectations. Conerly Jr.’s NFL Next Gen Stats prospect grade was a 6.36, which equates to a player that will eventually be a “plus starter” at the next level. Did he disappoint during the showcase talent program? He came up with a 40-yard dash time of 5.05 seconds and a vertical jump of 34.5 inches.
So, he had his ups and downs. As NFL analyst Lance Zierlein reviewed the former Duck, “Conerly is proportionally built but lacks ideal play strength. He strains the point of attack but needs to get his hips and hands synched to improve as a finisher.” But not to deny, his biggest strengths lie in his athleticism and how he has shown dramatic technical improvement as his career has progressed. Now, how does the offensive tackle fit in Commanders HC Dan Quinn’s puzzle?
Josh Conerly Jr., as the 29th pick, adds more protection for franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels in his second pro season and beyond. The Commanders had a hard time protecting their quarterback. Daniels was sacked three times in the NFC title game loss to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. Sherrone Moore was manifesting that portal miracle, but the Conerly Jr. wish never came true for Moore.
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