It’s been a tough year for Washington Commanders right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. The No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft has started every game this season, going up against some of the NFL’s best pass rushers. While Conerly has had his struggles, he’s played much better recently, and the Commanders appear to have found a young building block.

A left tackle at Oregon, Conerly moved to right tackle in the NFL. It’s not an easy transition for anyone, especially when facing guys like Micah Parsons, Maxx Crosby and Brian Burns. One of the knocks on Conerly during his time at Oregon was his lack of play strength. That was evident at times this season, but Conerly’s growth has Washington coaches excited about his future.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said he was proud of Conerly’s continued growth this season.

“He’s had a bunch of [tough matchups], but that’s life as a rookie in the NFL,” Kingsbury said Thursday. “And just continued to grow and compete. I’ve been really proud of the physicality and the run game, been proud of the resiliency. He had some tough matchups early, going through that streak of those three guys and came through it and got better each week. And so, there’s another huge challenge with their rushers, and just continue to fight and learn, and I think everything he’s doing is right on track. It’s just, there’s going to be some tough moments as a rookie.”

Conerly began the season with Nick Allegretti lined up beside him at right guard. Allegretti struggled and was replaced by Andrew Wylie for several weeks until Sam Cosmi returned from offseason knee surgery. Cosmi has been back for five weeks now, and Washington’s offensive line has begun to gel. That consistency beside him has been big for Conerly, too.

Nothing gets easier for Conerly. This week, Washington faces the Denver Broncos, who lead the NFL with 49 sacks.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly’s development a positive in 2025