The training camp hype around rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs is real. Though he remains pretty far down the pecking order right now, those in attendance are seeing flashes that suggest the Washington Commanders might be onto something.
JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan is among them. He's seeing some positive signs from Josephs over the first few training camp practices. The former Tennessee standout has a lot to work on, but he's already becoming a pleasant surprise capable of playing a bigger role than expected.
Joshua Josephs' hype train has quickly left the station at Commanders camp
And even though there is a lot of hard work ahead, Josephs already has the look of a genuine steal.
"He's still learning. But at the same time, he has been exciting to watch and makes plays. He's a fifth-round rookie, so there are moments where you're like, "You gotta learn." Some of his rushes, he gets out too wide. But some of them, the speed is very real. What has encouraged me is that he's shown a good deal of power, too."
JP has loved what he's seen from rookie Joshua Josephs so far in camp. #NFL #Commanders #Football pic.twitter.com/gUNMEw3nco
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) August 3, 2026
Most pre-draft analysts thought Josephs was a work in progress. Most had him down as a late Day 2 selection, but the Commanders got him midway through Day 3. That provides any player with a big chip on their shoulder, and the promising first-year pro is wasting no time in making his presence felt.
Rookie buzz is always prominent at this time of year. Fans are always eager to build up those who could become a long-term part of the team's plans, which is understandable. But with Josephs, the production during practice is matching it.
Josephs is a well-rounded athlete with the speed and bend to turn the edge effectively. Improving his discipline against the run is the biggest challenge, because he could become a total package thanks to his ability when dropping back into coverage.
Time is on the Commanders' side. They also have the personnel in place to give Josephs all the time he needs to make the strides needed.
Commanders have enough in their edge rushing room to bring Joshua Josephs along gradually if needed
Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Dorance Armstrong Jr. are leading the way. Charles Omenihu provides solid depth, and Josephs is also aiming for a key rotational role in Year 1 of his professional career.
Based on his instant impression at camp, he might just get it.
It's hard not to be taken by Josephs. He's a flashy player with a steely work ethic. He wants to be great, and he is a willing learner. This doesn't always guarantee success, but it does provide the right sort of platform to grow into a productive player within a scheme that clearly suits his strengths.
Obviously, there will be ups and downs. Josephs is not the finished product by any stretch, but that's what makes his early impact so exciting. Fans will find out more about what he could potentially offer in the preseason, and these reps will be a vital tool in his bid for rotational playing time right out of the gate.
Josephs has everything in front of him. It's been an outstanding opening to life in Washington, but he won't be getting ahead of himself.
But either way, he couldn't be doing much more to stake a claim. And it's not going unnoticed.
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