Much has been said about the Washington Commanders’ selection of Joshua Josephs in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 147 overall. The club’s glut of pass rushers made picking the Tennessee product feel more like a luxury than a necessity to many — but that’s the point.
The Commanders didn’t call Josephs' name with a specific need in mind. Quite the opposite, actually; they doubled down on an area of strength. However, there’s a method to Washington’s madness, as JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan and NBC Sports eloquently expressed.
Finlay wondered whether the Commanders “could’ve gone other directions.” Yet, “one central premise of football” made Josephs the obvious choice: teams are “never going to have enough pass rushers.”
Commanders insider validates Joshua Josephs 2026 NFL Draft selection
Preach! The only position more important than quarterback is the one that’s designed to bring them down. Josephs gives the Commanders depth and long-term upside at one of the most crucial facets of the game.
Commanders fans were begging for the team to heavily invest in its edge rusher room a couple of months ago. Why’s suddenly having an abundance of options a bad thing? It’s hard to wrap your head around.
Besides, what were the Commanders supposed to do? Not take a player who practically fell into their laps? Josephs has the physical tools and athleticism of a Day 2 prospect, and Washington capitalized on his surprising slide down the board.
Not to mention, the Commanders’ depth chart looks promising, but prized free-agent addition Odafe Oweh is the only one under contract beyond this season. Dorance Armstrong is coming off a torn ACL and entering a contract year, while veterans K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu signed one-year deals this offseason. There’s a scenario where Josephs is a key part of the lineup in 2027, and perhaps even sooner.
In his final campaign at Tennessee, Josephs recorded 33 tackles (six for loss), four sacks, three pass deflections, three forced fumbles (two recoveries) across 11 games. He showcased the unique physical traits that make him an intriguing talent who can develop into a difference-maker. His potential is worth chasing, especially at the point the Commanders chose him.
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