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We're one week away from the 2025 NFL Draft and there's plenty of uncertainty around what each team will do. Especially the Detroit Lions. Under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, the draft has become a real guessing game on what they may do each year.
For most of this draft cycle, the Lions have been linked to defensive and offensive linemen. I've suggested that they might be interested in drafting a wide receiver earlier than usual. With their 3 picks in the top 102 selections of the draft, we could see them select a player at each one of those positions (OL, DL, WR). Regardless, they're a true wild card in this draft.
With Brad Holmes, he has been connected to colleges on the West Coast. Whether it be Oregon, Washington, Utah or even British Columbia, we've seen the Lions select players from those schools, so there's interest in prospects from that region. Another prospect from that region is Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and the Lions could make a lot of sense as a potential landing spot. Let's dive into my scouting report on the Oregon offensive tackle and how he may fit the Detroit Lions!
Conerly Jr., easily projects as a tackle in the NFL. Whether he starts early or not will be dependent on if he can refine his skills fast enough and efficiently enough for a team. With that said, he has started in 28 straight games for the Ducks and has shown that he can operate laterally but is also stout against powerful defenders.
Displaying elite length and enough strength to anchor, he’s able to sit and lock out defenders. There are times that he gets on his heels in pass protection and his balance will get tested. He climbs square to the second level and is effective when he gets the chance to combo or down block on the opposition.
Keeping his head on a swivel, he’s able to handle blitzes and line stunts but there are times that his hands are late against counters. Overall, there’s starter upside to his game, but he could need a year of refinement before becoming a permanent starter on the offensive line.
If the Lions were to consider drafting a player such as Josh Conerely Jr, they may have to select him with the 28th overall pick. In recent weeks, there's been buzz surrounding him being drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The hope would be to trade down with the New York Giants or Cleveland Browns with the 33rd or 34th overall pick and still be able to draft him. I just don't see the Lions being able to draft him with the 60th overall pick in the second round.
By drafting Conerly, the Lions would be adding depth at left tackle. Unless, of course, they view him as a guard. With his length, heavy hands and grip strength, he could contribute at either spot in Detroit. Most importantly, Conerly could give the Lions a long-term answer along their offensive line. He'll turn 22-years old in November and with the ability to work with Lions OL coach Hank Fraley would be very beneficial to his development in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions prospect profile and scouting report: Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
Continue reading...
For most of this draft cycle, the Lions have been linked to defensive and offensive linemen. I've suggested that they might be interested in drafting a wide receiver earlier than usual. With their 3 picks in the top 102 selections of the draft, we could see them select a player at each one of those positions (OL, DL, WR). Regardless, they're a true wild card in this draft.
With Brad Holmes, he has been connected to colleges on the West Coast. Whether it be Oregon, Washington, Utah or even British Columbia, we've seen the Lions select players from those schools, so there's interest in prospects from that region. Another prospect from that region is Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and the Lions could make a lot of sense as a potential landing spot. Let's dive into my scouting report on the Oregon offensive tackle and how he may fit the Detroit Lions!
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- Was a 5-star recruit (per 24/7 Sports) from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, WA. He had offers to schools such as USC, Michigan, Texas and others but he committed to Oregon.
- In addition to football, he also played basketball in high school.
- Didn’t start playing on the offensive line until his sophomore year. As a freshman in high school, he was a running back.
- At Oregon, he played in 41 games with 28 starts at LT.
- First-team All-Big Ten in 2024.
- Will be 22 years old in November.
MEASUREMENTS:
- CLASS: Junior
- HEIGHT: 6' 5"
- WEIGHT: 311 lbs
- ARM LENGTH: 33 1/2"
- HAND SIZE: 10 3/8"
PRO DAY / COMBINE:
- 40-YARD DASH: 5.05 seconds
- 10-YARD SPLIT: 1.71 seconds
- VERTICAL: 34.5"
- BROAD JUMP: 8' 7"
- 3-CONE: DNR
- SHORT SHUTTLE: DNR
GAMES WATCHED:
- 2024: Boise State, UCLA, Michigan, Penn State
STRENGTHS:
- Hands hit heavy with desired grip strength to steer and redirect defenders.
- Good length to lockout defensive lineman or drive them clear of the pocket.
- Shows that he has the desired strength to anchor.
WEAKNESSES:
- Hand placement can get too wide.
- Inside hand slips off contact from inside counters.
- Gives up too much of his chest that forces him to recover by grabbing outside with his hands and giving up too much ground.
- Needs better leg drive – could help finish blocks.
GRADE AND RANKING:
- Second round grade (75.00 / 100)
- OT 6 | 54th Overall
OVERALL PROJECTION + FIT WITH LIONS
Conerly Jr., easily projects as a tackle in the NFL. Whether he starts early or not will be dependent on if he can refine his skills fast enough and efficiently enough for a team. With that said, he has started in 28 straight games for the Ducks and has shown that he can operate laterally but is also stout against powerful defenders.
Displaying elite length and enough strength to anchor, he’s able to sit and lock out defenders. There are times that he gets on his heels in pass protection and his balance will get tested. He climbs square to the second level and is effective when he gets the chance to combo or down block on the opposition.
Keeping his head on a swivel, he’s able to handle blitzes and line stunts but there are times that his hands are late against counters. Overall, there’s starter upside to his game, but he could need a year of refinement before becoming a permanent starter on the offensive line.
If the Lions were to consider drafting a player such as Josh Conerely Jr, they may have to select him with the 28th overall pick. In recent weeks, there's been buzz surrounding him being drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The hope would be to trade down with the New York Giants or Cleveland Browns with the 33rd or 34th overall pick and still be able to draft him. I just don't see the Lions being able to draft him with the 60th overall pick in the second round.
By drafting Conerly, the Lions would be adding depth at left tackle. Unless, of course, they view him as a guard. With his length, heavy hands and grip strength, he could contribute at either spot in Detroit. Most importantly, Conerly could give the Lions a long-term answer along their offensive line. He'll turn 22-years old in November and with the ability to work with Lions OL coach Hank Fraley would be very beneficial to his development in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions prospect profile and scouting report: Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
Continue reading...
