Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., a standout player who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and played a crucial role in the Ducks’ Big Ten title, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Conerly made the announcement on social media Wednesday. Over the past two seasons, he played a key role for Oregon, helping the team secure the top seed in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive lineman was praised for his strong performance in protecting Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Dillon Gabriel, allowing only five total pressures.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Conerly as the sixth-best draft-eligible offensive tackle for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Seattle native came to Oregon as ESPN’s No. 3 offensive tackle and No. 31 overall recruit in the 2022 class. In his freshman year, Conerly played in all 13 games for the Ducks and even caught a touchdown pass against Colorado. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2023, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.
As Conerly prepares to enter the NFL draft, his decision marks the next step in what has been a promising college career. Despite his success at Oregon, the 31-year-old defensive back Justin Simmons, previously with the Broncos, recently hinted on social media that he would be interested in returning to his old team. Whether Simmons will join the Broncos again or continue his career with another team remains uncertain, but the interest is evident from a key former teammate.
