Some rookies get more hype than others. That tends to be based on how high they were drafted, but that doesn't mean those taken a little later in the process cannot make an immediate impact.
The Washington Commanders got precisely that from seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt last year. It seems like fifth-round edge rusher Joshua Josephs is on a similar trajectory.
There has been a lot to like about Josephs throughout the summer. On the first day of pads at training camp, the former Tennessee star turned things up a notch, catching the eye throughout the session and bolstering his chances of involvement in Year 1.
Joshua Josephs came alive during Commanders' first padded practice of camp
Josephs may be a Day 3 pick. But in Washington, he's got the chance to become so much more.
Joshua Josephs is having an impressive day so far. He had a batted pass earlier in team drills and showed off his speed against Wylie in 1-on-1s
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 3, 2026
The reports were glowing around Josephs. His explosiveness in pass-rushing situations and bend to get around blockers was impressive. He's relentless, and even though he might not win every rep, he will never stop going full throttle until the whistle blows.
However, there is another intriguing area where Josephs is shining.
Based on reports, the Commanders are dropping Josephs back into coverage with great success. This is a part of the player's game that often gets overlooked, but it could be important. He reads the game exceptionally well, and he's got the closing speed to make plays on the football when opportunities arise.
This is another string to his bow. And if Josephs manages to shine when reps come his way in the preseason, he might just be difficult for defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to keep off the field when the real action begins.
Commanders' preseason games could propel Joshua Josephs into a key rotational role
Washington is well stocked on the defensive edge after a purposeful offseason from general manager Adam Peters. Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Dorance Armstrong Jr. (if healthy) will likely lead the charge. But if Josephs keeps up his sterling work, he could become a bigger asset to the rotation than some envisaged.
That would be a win-win for everybody.
Josephs was widely touted as a Day 2 draft pick heading into the event. He slipped through the cracks, and even though the Commanders didn't have a great need on the defensive edge, this was too good an opportunity for Peters and head coach Dan Quinn to turn down.
Fans are starting to see why.
It's a good start, but Josephs still has some things to work on. He's not the biggest, though his large wingspan masks this somewhat. Tackling technique is also a potential problem area that must bae addressed, but it's clear there is something positive he can bring to the table.
Watching how Josephs performs in a game-day NFL setting during Washington's warmup contests before the new season will tell us much more about his potential outlook. But for now, things couldn't be more encouraging.
And if the same trend continues, Josephs will be a player to monitor closely in 2026.
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