GREEN BAY, Wis. – Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter is a strong candidate to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Oregon’s Josh Conerly dominated him in the Big Ten Championship Game.
In Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt’s latest mock draft, Conerly was projected as the Green Bay Packers’ first-round selection.“After reinforcing the offensive line in the first round last year with Jordan Morgan, the Packers continue to strengthen their front here,” Klatt wrote. “Green Bay has several areas to address, but protecting your quarterback is crucial if you want to compete at the highest level. I believe in Jordan Love, so keeping him protected is essential.”
Conerly is ranked as the No. 29 prospect by Pro Football Focus. In 2024, he allowed just one sack and nine total pressures. Notably, he went seven consecutive games without giving up a sack, though he allowed four pressures (no hits or sacks) in the playoff loss to Ohio State.
A third-team All-American in 2024, Conerly reflected on his decision to enter the NFL Draft during an interview with Oregon Live.
“I feel like it wasn’t just those specific performances,” Conerly said. “I feel like it was the whole season and the exponential growth that I made throughout the year that allowed me to make this decision.”
He added, “I think I believed in myself more, and I played with a lot more confidence.”
At the Senior Bowl, Conerly was voted the top offensive lineman on the National squad by the American team’s defensive linemen and linebackers.
“I think Josh Conerly might wind up being the best left tackle,” NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay said on the Bill Simmons Podcast. “He is unbelievably athletic with the way that he moves. He’s improved his hand technique, and I think there’s a real chance he could become a star from this class.”
Standing 6-foot-4 1/8 and weighing 313 pounds with 34-inch arms, Conerly showcased his physical traits at the Senior Bowl. He was a two-year starting left tackle for the Oregon Ducks.
Interestingly, before becoming a five-star offensive line recruit, Conerly played as a running back during his freshman year at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle.
Conerly is ranked as the No. 31 prospect by Dane Brugler of The Athletic and No. 38 by Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com.
“Everyone in my circle gives me advice, but at the end of the day, I still need to go out there and prove myself,” Conerly said during the Senior Bowl.
This offseason, the Packers are focused on improving their roster at cornerback, defensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver.
Top prospects are already off the board: Oregon’s standout defensive tackle Derrick Harmon was selected by the Vikings at No. 24, Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka went to the Texans at No. 25, and Marshall edge rusher Mike Green was picked by the Lions at No. 28.
