Commanders Star Laremy Tunsil Oozes Excitement About Teammates
In a single offseason, the Washington Commanders have built a sturdy foundation for the present and the future of their offensive line.
Advertisement
Last offseason, Washington was content with rookie Brandon Coleman playing left tackle, but when fellow rookie star Jayden Daniels was forced to scramble for his life all season, reinforcements were brought in.
Acquiring perennial Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil to start at LT could become the Commanders' most worthwhile investment for the immediate future. He's among the best in the game when healthy, and will help anchor a protection filled with youth.
Adding to that young core, Washington goes back to to O-line well in this year's draft, picking Josh Conerly Jr. late in Round 1.
All three of these pieces are expected to start (Coleman at left guard and Conerly at right tackle), and the Commanders got their first glimpses of the unit this past week at mandatory minicamp.
Advertisement
Of his outlook on the group? Tunsil kept it simple:
"Dogs."
"You know who I'm really impressed with, though?" Tunsil said to reporters in his first time in front of the Washington media.
"JC (Conerly). JC is gonna be a dawg, and I'm not just saying that to blow smoke up his (expletive). JC is gonna be a dawg, man. I can't wait to see it.
"Just the way he moves," Tunsil added. "The way he bends, athletic, smart, very intelligent. I think he's got all the tools to be a damn good player in this league."
It will be up to Tunsil, who is entering his 10th season in the NFL, to spearhead the line's development as a leader, but with this endorsement, Commanders fans should feel much more confident in their QB protection than they did last year.
Advertisement
Tunsil was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans for a haul of draft picks this year and next. It forced Washington to have a small draft class in 2025, but Conerly projects as a plug-and-play prospect right away.
Conerly comes by way of Oregon. The 6-5, 310-pounder started every game last season at left tackle, so moving to the right side could result in a slow adjustment. For the future? He is shaping up to take the reins at LT whenever Tunsil hangs them up.
Coleman returns for his sophomore season after a decent rookie season at LT, grading 64.1 by PFF. It shouldn't be as much of an adjustment shifting inside to guard, but his frame will fit in nicely to form a wall next to Tunsil.
The other spots are predicted to be filled in by center Tyler Biadasz and right guard Sam Cosmi.
Advertisement
Related: 'Additional Help' Reason For Commanders' Super Bowl Optimism
Related: Dan Quinn Thrilled With Commanders' Mindset
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Philadelphia's Paul George undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his left knee
At the top of the list of things the 76ers need to turn next season around is key players staying healthy. This is a bad start. Paul George underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee "to treat an injury sustained during a recent workout," the 76ers announced on Monday. That's a rather vague description of what was done, and the only timeline the 76ers gave was that George will be re-evaluated before training camp starts in September. Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports had a few more details. If that report is accurate, George should be good to go by the start of next season. However, nothing feels certain with George and his health. Advertisement George, who was attending games at the Las Vegas Summer League, played in just half of the 76ers' games last season due to knee and groin injuries. That followed the pattern in Philly, where Joel Embiid played in 19 games, Jared McCain played 23 games, and Tyrese Maxey played in 52 due to an assortment of injuries. When George did play, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists a game, while shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc. Philly enters next season as the biggest question mark in the Eastern Conference (if not the NBA). On paper, the Embiid/George/Maxey core should lead one of the — if not THE — most talented team in the East, but can they be trusted to stay healthy and mesh under coach Nick Nurse? In a down Eastern Conference, this team has the potential to win the conference, but numerous questions lie in its way. Health is at the top of that list of questions. George's surgery may be nothing and something forgotten about by the time next season tips, but it feels like a bad omen. At least.
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cal Raleigh to play for US in World Baseball Classic, joining Judge, Skenes and Witt
Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh rounds first base after hitting a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning during a baseball game, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) ATLANTA (AP) — Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh agreed to play for the U.S. team at next year's World Baseball Classic, joining captain Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr. USA Baseball announced the decision Monday before Raleigh participated in the All-Star Home Run Derby. The 28-year-old entered the All-Star break leading the major leagues with 38 homers and 82 RBIs. Advertisement The 20-nation WBC will be played from March 5-17. Japan is defending champion. Also Monday, the World Baseball Softball Confederation said the baseball tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be played from July 15-20 at Dodger Stadium. MLB is considering whether it can interrupt its 2028 season to allow major leagues to participate. There will be two groups of three teams during a preliminary round over three days, with two games per day. The group winners advance to the semifinals, while the other teams compete in a pair of quarterfinals. Semifinals will be played July 19, and gold and bronze medal games the next day. The softball tournament will be played from July 23-29 at OKC Softball Park in Oklahoma City. A five-day round-robin will be played on July 28 followed by the gold medal game the next day. ___ AP MLB:
Associated Press
42 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Cal Raleigh to play for US in World Baseball Classic, joining Judge, Skenes and Witt
ATLANTA (AP) — Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh agreed to play for the U.S. team at next year's World Baseball Classic, joining captain Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr. USA Baseball announced the decision Monday before Raleigh participated in the All-Star Home Run Derby. The 28-year-old entered the All-Star break leading the major leagues with 38 homers and 82 RBIs. The 20-nation WBC will be played from March 5-17. Japan is defending champion. Also Monday, the World Baseball Softball Confederation said the baseball tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be played from July 15-20 at Dodger Stadium. MLB is considering whether it can interrupt its 2028 season to allow major leagues to participate. There will be two groups of three teams during a preliminary round over three days, with two games per day. The group winners advance to the semifinals, while the other teams compete in a pair of quarterfinals. Semifinals will be played July 19, and gold and bronze medal games the next day. The softball tournament will be played from July 23-29 at OKC Softball Park in Oklahoma City. A five-day round-robin will be played on July 28 followed by the gold medal game the next day. ___ AP MLB:
