Texans to host potential Laremy Tunsil replace in Oregon's Josh Conerly for top 30 visit
Texans to host potential Laremy Tunsil replace in Oregon's Josh Conerly for top 30 visit
Josh Conerly Jr. must have made a strong impression on the Houston Texans during their week-long stay at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. As the draft approaches, Houston wants to know more about the standout left tackle.
According to KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson, the Texans are expected to host the former Oregon offensive lineman for a top-30 visit later this week. Multiple mock drafts have listed Conerly as one of two options on the offensive line for Houston if available at No. 25.
Conerly, an All-Big Ten Conference and first-team All-American selection, also has meetings set up Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears. He's the presumed No. 4 offensive tackle in the class behind LSU's Will Campbell, Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. and Ohio State's Josh Simmons.
Adding Conerly would mark another sign that the Texans are truly investing in overhauling their offensive line for C.J. Stroud. The defending AFC South champions made headlines last month by trading Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders in exchange for four draft picks. The Texans also traded Kenyon Green to the Eagles, and cut staring offensive guard Shaq Mason to free up cap space.
In their place, Houston signed veteran left tackle Cam Robinson and guard Laken Tomlinson before and for guard Ed Ingram from Minnesota.
Conerly, a 6-foot-5, 311-pound giant, impressed during his three seasons in Eugene. He earned a full-time starting job in 2023, and continued to develop into a powerful, consistent blocking presence for Heisman finalist and future first-round pick Bo Nix. Last season, he allowed one sack while protecting Dillion Gabriel, helping the Ducks secure an undefeated regular season and Big Ten title.
During last month's combine, Conerly solidified his Day 1 draft stock, running a 5.04 40-time with a 1.71 10-yard split. He had a 34.5-inch vertical leap and an 8-foot-7 broad jump.
'I think I'm pretty agile and able to be used in all schemes,' Conerly told reporters at the combine. 'I help out in a lot of different ways because you can get the ball out on the edge. I'm really good in gap and zone schemes. It doesn't really matter. I bring a lot.'
Should Houston select Conerly, he would serve as the heir apparent for Tunsil. Robinson, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $14 million, should start the season on the left side, but if regression sets in Conerly would take over as the full-time new man in command.
The Texans own seven picks in this year's draft, including four in the top 100.
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