Prospect Profile: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Protecting the Passer

The first thing you notice about his pass protection is the difference in how in control he is against different types of competition. Against most competition, he maintains his composure and his technique in pass protection, with good footwork and a solid punch that he can maintain. He’s generally better when he’s not facing a wide alignment from the edge rusher and when he can get his hands on more quickly in jump sets. However, when he faces specific types of rushers or different moves, deficiencies start to emerge. Defenders who have a good plan and process the game at a high level can get him to commit his hands and lunge – they are then able to use matador type swim moves or cut across his face. There are instances on film where defenders with this ability are able to beat him consistently across a cluster of plays using the same tactic which he cannot adjust to quickly. When he’s facing a power rusher who comes at him with a bull-rush, an effective long-arm move or attempts to convert speed to power, he will give up a lot of ground back to his Quarterback, there are times when he is able to reset and stalemate but it feels as though it is a result of luck rather than skill given the inconsistency. When he’s facing elite speed off the edge, his normally good footwork and hand usage deserts him. He picks his feet up and down in his kickslide, giving away all his force and play strength. And his hand timing and placement in his punch become highly inconsistent, allowing edge-rushers with outstanding athleticism and good cornering to get pressure on the Quarterback. You’d also like to see him do a better job of more quickly identifying stunts, games and blitzes.

Run Blocking

On the move: He’s a good mover and you can see him position, fit and finish at the second level. This is most consistent when working double teams and releasing to the second level, he can pop well at the line of scrimmage before moving easily to block Linebackers or Defensive Backs. He’s quick in short areas and can position quickly for high-degree of difficulty reach blocks where he’s blocking guys aligned well inside of his position. When he has to react in space, he will be less consistent with his ability to position for his blocks against quicker defenders.
Run blocking the big dude across from you: As a Gap blocker he also positions and fits blocks well but his finish in this area is more inconsistent. On Down blocks he will position well and fit the block with his hands against the smaller target area if the D-lineman is turned side-on but he won’t bring his feet with hm, lunges and loses all power. This is less true on Drive blocks where he will get less out over his skis but he is still liable to make the same technical error on this type of block.

DRAFTED RAVEN COMP
More athletics and consistent Ricky Wagner

PRODUCTION
JR: 929 snaps at LT
SO: 887 snaps at LT
INJURY: None

RAVENS FIT
Expl. Athleticism 3
Ftbl Intelligence 3
Vrsatility 3
Grit 3
Scheme 3