Washington Commanders Rookie Positioned to Develop

Upgrading the pass rush was among the top priorities for general manager Adam Peters and the Washington Commanders after inking multiple pieces in free agency, headlined by the duo of Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson. Yet the Commanders also kept the front seven a focus on day three of the NFL Draft after adding former Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs in the fifth round to give the defense what head coach Dan Quinn called a "versatile" addition.

Josephs ended his time as a starter during his final two seasons with the Volunteers while he notched 104 tackles, 9.5 sacks and eight pass breakups in his career. His first full season as a starter landed Joseph as the top graded edge defender against both the run (91.4) and pass (86.4), per Pro Football Focus, but his measurables at the NFL scouting combine added additional intrigue to what he can add to the Commanders' defense.

Josephs, who was compared to Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt heading into the draft, measured in with over 34-inch arms and ten-inch hands as a 6-foot-3 edge rusher. Assistant general manager Lance Newmark was quick to note his length after his selection while Josephs also posted a 4.73 second time in the 40 yard dash, an impressive feat at his position while emphasizing his potential.

Yet the former Volunteer also arrives with less pressure than other rookies, like Sonny Styles and Antonio Williams, with the defense better stocked for year one under defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. While Josephs pointed to him being "very ball savvy" ahead of the start of his NFL career, Quinn sees the versatility he offers in the front seven.

"He can drop, he can rush. That's why he is here - to rush," Quinn said during OTAs. "But I'm excited to have that type of length and get off - demonstrated pass rush ability. I've found the more of that that you have and develop it, we were talking about traits earlier, how important that is."

After measuring in at 242 pounds, time is on Josephs's side where he'll have a chance to bulk up as a standup edge rusher behind Oweh in the rotation. CBS Sports pointed to Josephs as a non-day one draft pick who could earn a key role, which would serve as a win for Washington's development, but it isn't an expectation for the defense to prove to be successful in 2026.

He'll also have a chance to prove himself with mandatory minicamp kicking off on Tuesday as head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the full team will participate to varying levels, along with the Commanders utilizing all three days after others like the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers opted to cancel.

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