Josh Conerly Jr. stands at 6’4 5/8″ and weighs 311 pounds, with 33 1/2-inch arms. While his height and arm length are average for an NFL offensive tackle, Conerly makes up for it with exceptional athleticism and movement skills. His frame is well-proportioned, allowing him to maintain balance and leverage in both pass protection and run blocking. He was an All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten selection at Oregon.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Strengths
Pass Protection
Conerly excels in pass protection, showcasing advanced technical skills and mental processing. He mirrors pass rushers effectively, maintaining patience in his set and keeping his shoulders square. His quick feet and fluid hips allow him to counter various pass-rush moves with ease. During his 2024 season at Oregon, Conerly surrendered just nine total pressures, demonstrating his elite pass-blocking ability.
Athleticism and Movement
One of Conerly’s standout traits is his exceptional athleticism. He possesses “typewriter feet,” fluid hips, and remarkable flexibility. This athleticism translates well to his on-field performance, allowing him to excel in wide-zone blocking schemes and reach blocks. His burst off the line of scrimmage gives him an advantage in both run and pass blocking situations.
Run Blocking
In the run game, Conerly shines with his ability to get to the second level quickly and effectively. He excels in reach blocking, using his speed to wall off defenders. His body positioning and aggressive playstyle allow him to control defenders with a strong punch. Conerly’s athleticism makes him particularly effective in outside-zone and crack toss plays.
Technique and Coachability
Conerly displays solid overall technique, with room for improvement in certain areas. His hand placement, knee bend, and weight distribution are generally sound. He has shown the ability to adapt and improve, as evidenced by his transition from running back to offensive tackle in high school and his rapid development at Oregon.
Weaknesses
Power and Anchoring
While Conerly’s athleticism is a major asset, he may need to improve his lower body strength to better anchor against power rushers at the NFL level. This could be particularly important if he transitions to right tackle in the pros.
Consistency in Run Blocking
Although Conerly is an effective run blocker, he occasionally lunges and puts too much weight on his toes, leading to missed blocks. Improving his consistency in this area will be crucial for his success at the next level.
Size Concerns
His slightly below-average height and arm length for an NFL tackle may cause some teams to project him as a guard or right tackle rather than a left tackle.
NFL Projection
Conerly projects as a late first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of athleticism, technical skill, and room for growth make him an attractive prospect for teams running zone-heavy offensive schemes. While he has the potential to play left tackle, some teams may view him as a right tackle or even guard prospect due to his size.
Conerly’s performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine further solidified his draft stock. He impressed with a 1.71-second 10-yard split and a 34 1/2-inch vertical jump, showcasing his explosiveness. His smooth movement in drills, particularly in pulling and pass protection work, caught the attention of scouts and analysts.
At the Senior Bowl, Conerly stood out as one of the best offensive linemen, displaying his athleticism, fluidity, and timing. His performance in both individual drills and team periods demonstrated his readiness for the NFL level.
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Scheme Fit and NFL Readiness
Conerly is best suited for a wide-zone blocking scheme that can maximize his athleticism and movement skills. He has the potential to be a day one starter at left tackle, although some teams may prefer to start him at right tackle or guard while he continues to develop.
His advanced processing skills, particularly in identifying and handling stunts, suggest that the mental aspect of the NFL game won’t be too big for him. However, he may need some help against elite power rushers early in his career as he continues to build strength.
Conclusion
Josh Conerly Jr. is a high-ceiling, high-floor offensive tackle prospect with the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player by his third year in the NFL. His exceptional athleticism, advanced pass protection skills, and solid run-blocking ability make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their offensive line.
While he may need to improve his lower body strength and consistency in run blocking, Conerly’s coachability and rapid development trajectory suggest that he has the potential to address these weaknesses quickly. His performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine has only reinforced his status as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With his skill set and potential, Conerly is likely to hear his name called in the late first round of the draft, particularly by teams running zone-heavy offensive schemes. Whether he ends up at left tackle, right tackle, or guard, Conerly has the tools to become a cornerstone of an NFL offensive line for years to come.
