Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL
As previously mentioned, nobody looks forward to padded practices more than those in the trenches. It's a chance to showcase what they can truly do, and interior offensive lineman Sam Cosmi set the correct tone for others to follow.
Cosmi was a ferocious presence throughout the session, according to those in attendance. Nobody should be surprised by this, given the Texas product is looking to make up for some lost time after a frustrating 2025 campaign.
After tearing his ACL during Washington's playoff victory over the Detroit Lions, the right guard wasn't seen again until Week 7. Cosmi performed well, but another injury meant he missed the final two games of 2025 when the Commanders' race was run.
OL vs. DL one-on-ones … Adam Peters watching from one side, Dan Quinn watching from the other.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 3, 2026
Sam Cosmi not f’in around in this camp.
The 2021 second-round pick has freely admitted to being stung by Washington's fall from grace last season. Cosmi is now among the established veterans, and he is leading from the front. This was the clearest sign yet that he is back to his best, and if he can get a better run of luck on the injury front, a bounce-back campaign won't be too far behind.
Everyone knows what Cosmni can do. He is among the league's most underrated guards when firing on all cylinders. And he should remind people why in 2026.
Joshua Josephs - Commanders OLB
The Commanders didn't have a big need at edge rusher during the 2026 NFL Draft. Those plans changed when Joshua Josephs slid all the way into the fifth round.
This was too good an opportunity to pass up. Josephs is seen as a rotational development project for now, but there are growing signs at training camp that he could have a role to play within defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' schematic concepts.
Washington's first padded practice was a good one for Josephs. He once again looked explosive off the snap, with his speed and bend causing problems for the offensive line. The Commanders are also dropping him back in coverage a lot, and he is making things happen.
The more versatility Josephs can display, the more he will be on the field.
Caught up with Josh Josephs after pray today. He's been a guy I've been impressed with at camp. He's shown strength but also a little more finesse to his game than I expected pic.twitter.com/BvIvxUt4x5
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) August 3, 2026
He's behind some established veterans in the pecking order right now, which is understandable. But if the Tennessee product can keep stacking good days and raise confidence in the preseason, Jones would be wise to find a few ways to get Josephs onto the field.
Josephs was seen as a potential steal from the moment he was taken at No. 147 overall. Bigger tests are coming, but the Commanders must love what they've seen from him so far.
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