Lucas Niang's ACL tear ends his season with Washington after joining in July, leaving the Commanders with notable depth questions at tackle just as a major upgrade arrives. Washington traded for Laremy Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, and grabbed Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round to fortify the edge. Niang had impressed in a short window, but the injury forces a quick recalibration behind Tunsil and Conerly. New guard depth and veteran options like Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, and Bobby Hart are now more critical as Washington braces for the early season.

With Niang out, the Tunsil‑Conerly dynamic anchors an upgraded left side, while Wylie’s versatility provides immediate reliability. The team must balance rookie development with roster depth, as preseason setbacks against New England highlighted the thin margin behind the starters. Fantasy angles hinge on Howell’s protection, the run game’s efficiency, and how quickly Conerly can adapt to the NFL’s speed, given the new, deeper tackle room.

The Commanders’ preseason opener vs. New England ended in a 48-18 loss, but the spotlight was on five 2025 rookies whose first NFL touches offered clear signals for fantasy and dynasty value. Josh Conerly Jr. looked the part on 21 snaps at right tackle, moving smoothly and showing space-blocking potential, though his strength will need time to catch up as his frame fills out. Trey Amos delivered an almost flawless first impression, sticking to routes and making a goal-line stop that illustrated the coaching staff’s trust. Jaylin Lane’s debut was hard to read due to limited involvement, while Kain Medrano impressed with high snap counts and aggressive play, hinting at a development path on Washington’s second level. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed Bill, flashed violent cuts and took seven carries for 24 yards with a reception, leaving fans hopeful about his ceiling in a crowded backfield. The night’s penalties (13 for 98 yards) underscored the discipline edge Washington must sharpen, even as the rookies supply a blueprint for future depth and potential breakout bubbles once the regular season arrives.

Washington will rely on these early evaluations to shape its approach as the preseason continues. Conerly’s transition to right tackle and Amos’s sticky coverage are especially encouraging for a line and secondary tasked with faster adaptation. Medrano’s aggressive instincts and Croskey-Merritt’s versatile backfield appeal offer excitement for deeper leagues and dynasty formats, where upside often trumps immediate production. This game wasn’t about final rosters but about revealing a few players who could become meaningful contributors as the Commanders chart their young core for 2025 and beyond.

The Washington Commanders are facing early training camp challenges with their first-round pick, Josh Conerly Jr. Drafted 29th overall, Conerly has remained largely under the radar through the initial five days of camp, a stark contrast to the usual attention first-round picks command. Despite being seen as a candidate for the right tackle position after the trade for Laremy Tunsil, Conerly has been rotating between first and second-team roles, indicating that the Commanders are not ready to hand him the job outright.

While expectations were high following his selection, Conerly's performance in camp raises questions about his readiness to make an immediate impact. The Commanders' approach seems cautious, suggesting they want to ensure he develops properly before placing him in a starting role. This situation presents an intriguing narrative for fantasy football enthusiasts, especially those tracking the Commanders' offensive line development and its implications for the team's overall effectiveness.

Josh Conerly Jr., the Washington Commanders' first-round pick, enters the 2025 season with strong potential as he transitions to the right tackle position following the team's acquisition of Laremy Tunsil. As a rookie, Conerly is expected to compete for a starting spot, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

His performance in training camp and preseason will be crucial as he tackles the challenge of adjusting to a new role in a revamped offensive line. Given the Commanders' investment in Tunsil, Conerly's development will be closely monitored, particularly in terms of his pass protection and run-blocking skills. Expectations are high for him to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, with the possibility of solidifying his position as a cornerstone for the franchise's offensive line in the future.

The Washington Commanders' rookie class has received their Madden NFL 26 ratings, with expectations set for improvement as player ratings will change throughout the season. The Commanders, with a preliminary team rating of 78, found themselves ranked low, alongside only two other teams. Among the rookie class, tackle Josh Conerly Jr. leads with a 74 rating, followed by cornerback Trey Amos at 73. Conerly, a first-round pick, is being transitioned from left tackle at Oregon to right tackle for the Commanders, while Amos was projected by many to be a first-round talent.