The Washington Commanders received widespread praise for their 2026 NFL Draft class. General manager Adam Peters didn't have many picks, especially at the top end, but he found real value and came away with tremendous credit.
Some are gaining more hype than others. First-round linebacker Sonny Styles is gaining plaudits, as is third-round wide receiver Antonio Williams. However, a lesser-heralded selection has also wasted no time making a splash.
The Commanders were well stocked at the edge rushing position entering the draft. Peters was aggressive in free agency, making this position group his top priority above all else. Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu were signed to go alongside Dorance Armstrong Jr. That didn't stop Washington's front-office leader from adding another explosive force to the mix.
Rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs is already leaving a mark within the Commanders
Joshua Josephs was a fifth-round selection at No. 147 overall. He's a work in progress against the run but offers immediate rotational upside in obvious pass-rushing situations, and he can also drop back into coverage for good measure.
The impression Josephs made during OTAs was notable, and the rookie believes confidence is already growing within the building about what he can bring to the table.
"They know I'm an athlete. I have the ability to cover. I was doing it in college. I was doing it in high school. I've been doing this thing my whole life. I've been able to cover in space ... They also know about my pass rushing ability [and] my pass rushing bag, and I feel like I've got a good bag. They feel like I've got a good bag. I feel like I gotta show I'm a dominant pass rusher and I'm able to cover in space."
It's early days, but Josephs is starting to look like someone who can make a real difference within Daronte Jones' schematic concepts.
The new defensive coordinator preaches versatility, dynamism, and violence. Josephs has all these traits in abundance. If he can build on a promising start, the former Tennessee standout has the scope to shake up Washington's pass-rush dynamic.
Oweh and Armstrong will probably start if the latter returns to full strength after a serious knee injury. Chaisson will be next in line, and Omenihu can line up on the edge or the front, depending on the situation. Josephs might be behind the established veteran pieces right now, but the Commanders won't hesitate to get him involved if he continues to leave his mark.
That is the goal. And Josephs is working hard to achieve it.
There were a few eyebrows raised when the Commanders took an edge rusher over other perceived needs at the time. But don't be surprised if Josephs has a much bigger impact than almost anyone envisioned when it's all said and done.
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