Soaring Commanders rookie Joshua Josephs aces his first joint practice test

Training camp rolls on for the Washington Commanders, who will already be forced to weather the storm this upcoming season without one of their best players in left tackle Laremy Tunsil. But not all hope is lost, especially if the infusion of youth across the roster general manager Adam Peters has assembled can step up.

And for rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs, joint practice with the Miami Dolphins represented another test he passed with flying colors.

Everybody is looking to No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles as the biggest difference-maker on defense. He's a transformative talent who should make everybody around him better and emerge as a leader both on and off the field. But Josephs is also showing signs of making an impact.

Joshua Josephs continued his superb summer during Commanders' joint practice

The fifth-round selection from Tennessee has flown under the radar all summer. Given the free agency additions of Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson on the edge, many believed Josephs would have a hard time finding much of a role this season. But he's making his case.

According to reports, Josephs once again flashed his exceptional promise as the Commanders overwhelmed Miami throughout their joint session. He just knows how to make things happen, and even though his eye-catching performance was against second-string offensive linemen, it was yet another positive step in the right direction.

It's not as if this is an isolated incident, either. Josephs has thrived all summer long, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss.

Josephs is almost certainly at least a lock to make the Commanders' roster, which will probably keep four or five outside linebackers.

Deatrich Wise Jr. is still on the physically unable to perform list, and he might end up being a backup 3-4 end with Charles Omenihu. This leaves Oweh, Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Josephs, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and Drake Jackson among players with any realistic chance of earning a spot.

If there's any odd man out there, it's Jackson, and the question becomes just how much playing time Josephs can find this season.

The Commanders can only hope he's not forced into a larger role due to injuries, but their mid-round pick should still see his share of opportunities to get on the field.

Josephs is a long, athletic prospect who specializes in pass rush but seems to struggle against the run. He slipped in the draft due to his lack of size and speed, but his high energy makes him the type of player whom new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will want to find ways to use.

And his surprising ability when dropping back into coverage is just an added bonus.

Josephs hasn't generated the headlines of Styles and some of Washington's other rookies, but don't count him out. He's here to prove he belongs.

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