Washington Commanders offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Commanders' biggest win from Patriots joint practice is painfully obvious

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Joint practices are always a solid measuring stick for coaches and general managers around the league. The Washington Commanders are no different.

It's a chance to go up against NFL opposition rather than your teammates, which can become mundane after a while. It's also a good chance for those on the fringes to stake a stronger claim in a pressurized environment. In some cases, it can make a huge difference, although how they perform in the preseason is arguably more important.

And the biggest positive to emerge from Washington's joint practice with the New England Patriots was painfully obvious.

Josh Conerly Jr. looked like a first-round pick at Commanders' joint practice with the Patriots

Much has been made about the slow transition of Josh Conerly Jr. this summer. Most fans were expecting the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to slot into the starting right tackle role almost immediately. It's taking a little longer to get up to speed, with NFL insiders suggesting that the rookie must improve his overall play strength before confidence in his chances increases.

There were always going to be growing pains. The Commanders are bringing him along gradually, and he's got the benefit of learning from an accomplished veteran in five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil after his bombshell trade to the organization this offseason.

Fans want instant returns on Washington's big investment, which is understandable. Conerly answered the call, with his practice against the Patriots demonstrating the exceptional qualities he could bring to the table.

Mitchell Tischler from the Monumental Sports Network was among those who noted how well Conerly performed throughout the session. Lake Lewis Jr. of iHeart Radio was another, stating how well the first-year pro was working alongside Tunsil in a more heated environment.

Josh Conerly is having a good practice today, working across from Christian Barmore and Harold Landry he’s shown quickness and good recognition getting to free blitzers
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) August 6, 2025

I have to let DC know that Laremy Tunsil is up here at joint practices mandhandling folks. He’s a stone wall. The youngster Josh Conerly Jr is having a day as well. #NFL #RaiseHail
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) August 6, 2025

It's a small step in the right direction, but the light is coming on for Conerly. And perhaps the first taste of legitimate NFL competition is all it took to light the spark under the Oregon product.

This remains a work in progress. Conerly has some growing to do as a player. He's only going to get better with more experience, and this is the clearest sign yet that the Commanders might just have a valuable long-term contributor on their hands.

Nobody was pressing the panic button on Conerly. Some rookies take longer to adjust than others. That's the way it is and the way it's always been. He's got higher expectations on his shoulders as a first-round pick, but the Commanders will assess his outlook based on performance and development. Nothing else.

They won't throw him into the fire before he's ready. But this practice could be the confidence-builder Conerly needs to become the Week 1 starter at right tackle after all.