Washington Commanders’ Laremy Tunsil Ranked No. 5 Among NFL Tackles

Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil landed at No. 5 on ESPN’s annual preseason position rankings, with one NFC executive calling his style of play “bulletproof.” The honor comes despite the Commanders stumbling to a 5-12 record in 2025, currently sitting 14th in the National Football Conference on a W1 streak. Tunsil, 31, gave up just four sacks in 393 pass-blocking opportunities last season.

How did Laremy Tunsil earn the No. 5 spot?

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on July 11 that the ranking came from a vote of league executives, coaches, and scouts. Tunsil posted a 91.5% pass block win rate and was flagged for only five penalties — a massive drop from 17 the previous season. “The Commanders’ offense had a tough year on the field, but one bright spot was Tunsil,” Fowler wrote.

Pro Football Focus graded Tunsil at 84.7 overall, putting him eighth among 89 eligible left tackles. That’s elite company for a guy who’s now the NFL’s first $30 million-per-year offensive lineman.

What does Tunsil’s new contract mean for Washington?

On March 9, the first day of NFL free agency, the Commanders signed Tunsil to a record-setting 2-year, $60.2 million extension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported $61.5 million in guarantees, including a $32.5 million signing bonus — the biggest ever for an offensive lineman. Tunsil became the league’s first $20M, then $25M, and now first $30M per year offensive tackle.

That’s a massive investment in protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Commanders are betting big that Tunsil’s dominance can help turn around a team that went 12-5 and reached the NFC Championship Game in 2024, then fell to 5-12 last season.

Why does Tunsil’s past still follow him?

No story about Tunsil is complete without the 2016 draft night drama. A video leaked from his X account showing him smoking from a gas mask bong. Screenshots then appeared to show his family receiving money from Ole Miss staff. Tunsil later admitted taking money in college.

He still went No. 13 overall to the Miami Dolphins. That was nine years ago. On the field, Tunsil has been one of the NFL’s best left tackles ever since.

What comes next for the Commanders?

The Commanders next face the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13, 2026. With Tunsil anchoring the line, Washington hopes to protect Daniels better and climb out of the NFC basement. Other Commanders who could crack ESPN’s Top 10 lists include off-ball linebacker Frankie Luvu, quarterback Jayden Daniels, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Tunsil is the first Washington player to make any of the position rankings this year. He won’t be the last — but he’s the one getting “bulletproof” praise from the people who know best.