David Blough high on Josh Conerly, notes tight end has "long way to go"

With offensive coordinator David Blough officially in place, the attention will now turn to rebuilding the Washington Commanders' offense with over 20 players under contract into 2026 yet question marks at the skill positions.

Blough gave the obvious answer that the Commanders will be active at running back with only one in the fold with Jacory Croskey-Merritt looking to build on his rookie season, but the question is what’s around him and quarterback Jayden Daniels?

Blough noted that veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin fits the new offensive scheme “in a big way” with a big focus on the new-look passing attack with the expectation that Daniels shifts from the no-huddle offense to a more traditional, under center approach as head coach Dan Quinn reportedly preferred following the 2025 season. Another in-house question for Washington is a likely contract extension for star left tackle Laremy Tunsil with the veteran entering the final year of his deal and general manager Adam Peters previously noting the two sides have been in “constant communication” into the offseason about a long-term deal. But Blough also pointed to the tackle opposite of Tunsil as someone fans are “going to be really excited about” heading into his second season.

“[He] played every offensive snap for us,” Blough said of rookie right tackle Josh Conerly on 106.7. “He just - trajectory on a 45 degree angle throughout the course of the ‘25 season and I think his skillset will be highlighted and used as a weapon. I know people don’t hear that often about the offensive linemen, but using him creatively and allowing him to showcase what he does really well.”

Conerly is coming off a rookie season that featured growing pains, including three sacks and nine pressures allowed in the 27-18 loss against the Green Bay Packers in week two. It marked his lone game allowing multiple sacks, per PFF, while he finished with 28 pressures allowed through his first eight games. But the second half of his rookie season produced better results with just two sacks and 15 pressures allowed, adding optimism to the future of what’s expected to be a strong unit in 2026.

While Washington will also need to address its receivers, finding a capable receiving threat is as big of a focus with veteran Zach Ertz not expected to be healthy in time for the start of the 2026 season. While the team has also been projected to other tight ends like Vanderbilt’s Eil Stowers, they’ve also been projected to be active in the free agent market at the position with some like Isaiah Likely and Kyle Pitts projected as fits with the Commanders. Another analyst pointed to Chig Okonkwo from Tennessee as a potential fit as an athletic tight end, but of course, Washington also has multiple tight ends under contract in 2026.

While Blough noted he has “a vision for him” and his role in the offense, he also admitted tight end Ben Sinnott has “a long way to go.”

Sinnott is coming off a 2025 season where he drew just 13 targets and 11 catches for 114 yards and one touchdown, though his volume of targets didn't change after Ertz's injury until the final two weeks of the season where he drew seven targets and finished with just five catches for 32 receiving yards. Sinnott did see at least 30 snaps in three of his last four games, though, including 20 in pass plays when he finished with three catches for 29 yards on the Christmas Day loss against Dallas.

“I have a vision for him fitting a role into this offense that I think he can excel at,” Blough added. And I'm excited to get him in here and challenge him in different ways.”