The Washington Commanders drafted Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly, Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft—a move that few predicted but one that has been warmly received by reporters and fans alike. One ardent supporter of this decision is offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who left a note for general manager Adam Peters earlier this week. The note (video available below) was simple and it read, “I stopped by. Take Oregon tackle. Thnx! Kliff.”
Kingsbury, now in his second season as offensive coordinator coaching quarterback prodigy Jayden Daniels, gains two brand-new starting tackles to protect his signal-caller. Earlier in the offseason, the Commanders traded for pro bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, with Conerly set to join him as the right tackle.
“It means the world to me,” Conerly said when asked about the opportunity to block for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. “A Heisman Trophy winner, somebody I looked up to. Just someone that went from the Pac-12, went to the SEC, did big things… and I’m looking forward to the opportunity just to get out there and block for one of the best.”
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 310 pounds, Conerly started 26 games over two seasons at Oregon, allowed just one sack, and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as well as third-team All-American recognition by the Associated Press.
Kliff left a note on AP's desk this week…
Manifestation works 😌 pic.twitter.com/CGjvfQdub0
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 25, 2025