Positional group focus: the OL in Washington

After a slight hiatus, UKHTTC returns with a further summer feature.For this blog, we take a first look at a positional group: the offensive line for the Commanders leading into the 2025 season.

Given the spectacular rookie season of QB Jayden Daniels, bolstering protection for such a prized asset was viewed by the Washington hierarchy as a priority, and they acted decisively with the trade for LT Laremy Tunsil and by selecting another tackle, Josh Conerly Jr., in the first round of the NFL Draft.

This appears to be sound judgment by the Front Office; the 2024 offensive line exceeded expectations with their run to the Championship game but ultimately needed that injection of talent.

What might the starting five be for the Commanders in 2025?

Left Tackle – Laremy Tunsil (9th NFL season, drafted: Round 1, Pick 13 by the Miami Dolphins in 2016)

Tunsil remains a premier tackle in the National Football League and will clearly start at the LT spot. Laremy had some penalty issues early in the 2024 season with the Texans, although it was mentioned he was dealing with a lingering knee injury in September. The penalties cleared up well—after a rough start averaging three penalties per game, Tunsil quickly cut that down to approximately half a flag per game over the rest of the season.

Left Guard – Brandon Coleman (2nd NFL season, drafted: Round 3, Pick 67 by the Commanders in 2024)

Coleman had an adequate season at LT but seems better suited to playing on the interior. Positioned between a veteran LT and the Commanders’ starting Centre, Tyler Biadasz, will be of great help to Brandon as he looks to use his skillset (strength, footwork, power) to translate into an upper-tier Guard in the NFL. I expect Coleman inside will strongly benefit the running game for the burgundy and gold.

Centre – Tyler Biadasz (6th NFL season, drafted: Round 4, Pick 146 by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020)

The Commanders are simply a better team with a healthy Tyler. His pre-snap intelligence and leadership are vital to the Commanders’ OL, and that three-year contract at $10m AAV is money well spent.

Right Guard – Sam Cosmi (5th NFL season, drafted: Round 2, Pick 51 by Washington in 2021)

Obvious caveat here—Sam will not be the starter for at least the first few weeks of the 2025 season. Although making excellent progress in his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered during the 2024–25 playoffs, Head Coach Dan Quinn rightly errs on the side of caution with rehabbing Commanders. Once healthy, Cosmi is a lock as the starting Right Guard in Washington and represents one of the few quality draft picks from the Ron Rivera tenure.

Right Tackle – Josh Conerly Jr. (Rookie / 1st NFL season, drafted: Round 1, Pick 29 by the Commanders in 2025)

Josh might well become the starting LT in seasons ahead, especially with future contract issues looming for Tunsil. For now, I would expect the former Oregon graduate to get the nod ahead of Andrew Wylie at the Right Tackle spot.

Notables

Right Tackle/Right Guard – Andrew Wylie (8th NFL season, undrafted 2017)

Although not a truly top-tier tackle in the NFL, Wylie brings a Super Bowl-winning mentality from his time with the Chiefs and will likely step in for Cosmi at RG for the first few weeks of the season.

Left Guard – Nick Allegretti (7th NFL season, 7th round pick 2019)

High-character lineman who was part of three Super Bowl–winning locker rooms in Kansas City. As with Wylie, if these guys are now the backups, then the future is bright for 2025.

Backup Guard/Centre – Nate Herbig (7th NFL season, undrafted 2019)

A nice little acquisition by the burgundy and gold. Nate has over 30 career starts, was picked up by the Eagles but missed 2024 due to injury. Again, excellent work ethic and teammate to fit the Commanders. Might well push Wylie to fill in for Sam Cosmi.

Swing Tackle – Trent Scott (7th NFL season, undrafted 2018)

Dependable in short spots, Scott will once again be the trusted swing tackle in emergency situations.

2025 Offensive Line Outlook

With a blend of experienced veterans like Tunsil, Biadasz, and Cosmi (once healthy), alongside promising young talent such as Brandon Coleman and rookie Josh Conerly Jr., the Commanders’ offensive line is set to make further strides in 2025.

Sound additions and development will likely translate into improved protection for Jayden Daniels and a more potent running game. Depth pieces like Wylie, Allegretti, Herbig, and Scott provide valuable insurance and versatility, ensuring the line remains resilient through the rigors of the season.