​The offensive tackle position is frequently regarded as the second-most important spot on the offensive line, and the Washington Commanders have clearly prioritized it. In the 2025 offseason, they traded for Laremy Tunsil and then used their first-round pick at No. 29 to draft Josh Conerly Jr. ESPN conducted a comprehensive survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. Here, we examine their findings for the top 10 offensive tackles and what they imply for the Commanders. Remarkably, the Commanders indeed had a representative on ESPN’s top-10 list, with Tunsil ranked fifth.
ESPN’s top 10 offensive tackles and their relation to the Commanders are as follows:
1. Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions: Sewell and the Lions overwhelmed the Commanders with a prolific 546 yards of offense, scoring on eight straight possessions before kneeling to run out the clock on their ninth and final drive. This performance underscores the level of play that elite left tackles can elevate, and it serves as a benchmark for Washington’s front five.
2. Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers: Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever to play the position and might have finished his career in Washington himself. However, after requests for a trade and disputes over medical records, Williams left the organization and was eventually traded for third- and fifth-round picks. His ongoing potential Hall of Fame trajectory looms large in any discussion of top tackles this era, and his absence from the Commanders’ lineup highlights how far the franchise has come since his departure.
3. Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Wirfs was selected 13th overall in the 2020 draft, the same draft that saw Washington pick Chase Young No. 2. Wirfs’ dominance in the Buccaneers’ trenches remains a reminder of the high ceiling for young tackles when they land in the right system.
4. Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles: Mailata and Lane Johnson form a formidable duo on the Eagles’ left and right sides, presenting Washington with continuous challenges in their NFC East matchups. Their presence reinforces the importance of a healthy, dynamic tackle pair in division play.
5. Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders: Tunsil stood out as the best Commanders performer in 2025, earning a contract extension from GM Adam Peters in recognition of his impact and consistency. His success underscores why Washington invested so heavily in the position and why he remains a centerpiece of the lineup moving forward.
6. Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears: Wright faced limited opposition from Washington’s defense during their 2025 MNF meeting but still posted impressive metrics. He recorded a robust 85.6 run-blocking grade in 2025, placing him among the league’s top 10 at his position.
7. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson’s sustained strength and consistency have long given Washington fits in head-to-head matchups, highlighting the difficulty of containing a veteran right tackle in the NFC East.
8. Andrew Thomas, New York Giants: In his sixth season in 2025, Thomas continued to climb, moving up from No. 10 the previous year to a higher position. Washington will encounter him twice each season as part of its rival Giants, making his development a point of interest for the Commanders’ scouting and preparation.
9. Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers: Alt missed the October 5, 2025 game against Washington due to a high right ankle sprain sustained in the prior week against the Giants. His absence that game underscored the impact that line health and depth can have on a division tilt.
10. Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos: Bolles had an exceptional showing at left tackle against Washington in Week 13 of 2025, playing all 69 offensive snaps with no penalties, no blown blocks in pass protection, and allowing only a single pressure. His performance illustrates the high bar for left tackle play and the level of consistency required to keep a defense at bay.
This material originated with Commanders Wire and was adapted for broader context, with the focus on how ESPN’s ranking of top offensive tackles intersects with the Commanders’ strategic choices in the 2025 season. The inclusion of Tunsil at No. 5 confirms that Washington’s investment in the position paid dividends on the field, contributing to a narrative that offensive tackle can be among the most influential positions in shaping a team’s success.