Commanders just made their stance on Josh Conerly Jr. crystal clear

The Washington Commanders made Josh Conerly Jr. earn everything this offseason. It seems like the rookie offensive tackle passed his tests with flying colors.

Fans had an eager sense of anticipation as the Commanders released their Week 1 depth chart. There was a lot to unpack, but the team made their stance on Conerly crystal clear.

He's the starter at right tackle. And it's a position Conerly deserves after making exceptional progress over training camp and the preseason.

Commanders slotted Josh Conerly as their starting right tackle for Week 1

The Commanders thought they hit the jackpot when Conerly slipped through the cracks and into their grasp at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Adam Peters didn't hesitate to turn in his card, even though Washington had already traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil earlier in the offseason.

This involved a position switch for Conerly. The Commanders moved him to right tackle, which came with an expected adjustment period that resulted in some unfair criticism coming his way. He ignored the outside noise, focused on the task at hand, and the progress spoke for itself when things got more intense.

Conerly gradually came to the fore. His performance during joint practice against the New England Patriots was the first sign that everything was clicking. This provided the spark that ignited him to a dominant end to the team's preparations for the new campaign.

The Commanders have rewarded him accordingly with the starting right tackle gig in Week 1. This is enormously encouraging for Conerly, but the former Oregon standout is now embarking on a baptism of fire to begin his NFL journey.

Washington welcomes the New York Giants to Northwest Stadium this weekend. While they have flaws across their roster, that cannot be said about their defensive front seven. This is the G-Men's biggest strength by a considerable margin, which means Conerly is set for a difficult afternoon versus the edge rushing trio of Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter.

Fans will find out quickly what Conerly is made of. The Giants will target him as a potential weak link with Tunsil locking down the blindside. Help will be required from whoever starts at right guard and blocking tight end John Bates, but the first-year pro must deliver on debut.

Momentum has steadily built around Conerly. The Commanders must be confident that he can cope with the firestorm coming his way in Week 1. One can expect some growing pains, but the talent is there to make his presence felt immediately.