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What edge rusher Joshua Josephs brings to the Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders selected edge rusher Joshua Josephs out of Tennessee with their fifth round pick. Josephs is an interesting prospect because many draft analysts had him rated as high as a third round pick. At 6-foot-3, 242 pounds, Josephs is a pretty fluid athlete with some excellent traits. He has a strong first step burst off the snap and his 34¼-inch arms provide terrific length. He also plays with a physicality, urgency and motor that gives him a strong combination
of traits to work with.
However, while the traits are there, he’s still very raw as a pass rusher. He lacks technique and doesn’t yet understand how to make use of his best trait – his length. But when he gets it right, he looks like a real handful.
I expect the first thing the Commanders coaching staff will be looking to work with him on is a long arm rush and finding other ways to make use of that length more consistently because it’s such a weapon when he gets it right.
Josephs most consistent move is his euro step move. He has a really good burst off the snap and can challenge a tackle for speed off the edge, but he likes to mix in a euro step where he stutters inside and then bursts back outside, which causes tackles to stop their feet and have to restart them.
Commanders.com
5 things to know about OLB Joshua Josephs
2. He’s disruptive at the line of scrimmage.
One of the biggest criticisms about Josephs’ skill set is that he needs to get bigger to win against NFL linemen. He’s 242 pounds, which simply won’t cut it against bigger and stronger offensive tackles. However, Josephs already knows how to be disruptive in the run game and was quite good at it in college.
In his four seasons as part of the Tennessee defense, 22 of Josephs’ 104 tackles were recorded for a loss. Nine of those came in 2024, when Josephs ranked second on the team. In 2025, PFF notes that 20 of Josephs’ tackles resulted in a “failure” for opposing offenses, meaning runs were stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Josephs was also one of the best defensive linemen in the SEC when it came to forcing turnovers. He led the team and ranked fourth in the SEC in forced fumbles in 2024 and tied for 15th in the FBS with three in 2025. What’s more, he recovered four fumbles in his final two seasons. So, not only does he create turnover opportunities, but he also provides them for his offense.
Commanders Roundtable
RB Kaytron ’Fatman’ Allen Ready to be “Close to the Crib” with Commanders
Former Penn State running back Kaytron Allen became the first of two sixth round draft selections by the Commanders, giving the Virginia native a chance to return closer to home.
“It’s a blessing, man. Close to the crib,” Allen said after being drafted.
Ending his career with 43 total touchdowns and averaging at least five yards per carry in each of his four seasons, Allen eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in both 2024 and 2025 including a career season in 2025 after registering 1,303 yards and 6.2 yards per carry.
He also ended his career with just two fumbles loss, an aspect of his game he takes pride in.
“You got everybody’s dreams and aspirations in your hands, so I take great pride in it and that’s something I won’t do and I take pride in not doing turnovers and stuff,” Allen said.
Allen will now look to become the second running back drafted on day three by the Commanders to find success in as many seasons with Jacory Croskey-Merritt anchoring the room ahead of 2026 alongside several running back additions, including Rachaad White. Yet the rookie, nicknamed “Fat Man”, looks to add to the rotation with hopes of becoming a fan favorite.
Commanders Roundtable
WR Antonio Williams “Ecstatic” To Join Terry McLaurin, Commanders
After arriving at Clemson as a former four-star prospect out of Dutch Fork, SC, Williams proved to be a consistent weapon for the Tigers after registering at least 50 catches in each of the three full seasons he played after injuries limited him to five games in 2023. Williams takes pride in finishing with just one drop in 2025 while challenging reporters to double check the eight reported drops in 2024
Peters noted Williams can step in as either the ‘Z’ receiver or slot while pointing to his “really good releases,” though he also pointed to his football IQ as an impressive trait in the evaluation process.
“High, high FBI, can multi-align, understands the game, understands zone, understands man, understands how to win and he’s super competitive,” Peter said after Williams noted he likes to “get mismatches versus safeties.”
Riggo’s Rag
Van Jefferson Jr. already faces a real fight to make the Commanders’ 53-man roster
Peters saw the situation for what it was, taking former Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams. He was projected to be a first-round pick before injuries and the Tigers’ collapse saw his stock slide. However, he’s a slick route runner with dependable hands and a weapon after the catch. His ex-head coach, Dabo Swinney, is confident he’ll be an asset immediately.
That pushes everyone else further down the pecking order. The competition for places is fierce in Washington’s wideout room, and there could be another arrival in the form of Brandon Aiyuk when his drawn-out saga with the San Francisco 49ers finally concludes.
There are only so many places to go around, so it’ll be interesting to see how things shake out.
This brings Van Jefferson Jr. firmly under the microscope. The Commanders signed the veteran pass-catcher this offseason to a one-year, $1.4 million deal, with $527,500 guaranteed. He looked like a potential star with the Los Angeles Rams after his breakout campaign in 2021, but the numbers have been modest at best since.
Jefferson got a shot in Washington. Still, there are no guarantees whatsoever.
Terry McLaurin, Williams, Treylon Burks, Jaylin Lane, and possibly even Luke McCaffrey are all but assured to make the 53-man roster. The Commanders also brought back Dyami Brown, who’s got previous chemistry with Daniels and could make an impact. If Aiyuk joins, that would round off the unit, so there is a lot of hard work ahead for Jefferson if he wants to stick around beyond the summer.
ESPN
2026 NFL draft: Ranking the 100 best picks, steals, fits
12. Sonny Styles, LB, Washington Commanders (Pick 1-7)
My final overall ranking: No. 5
Styles is a future star at middle linebacker and one of my favorite picks now that we know he’ll be working in Dan Quinn’s defense. Styles’ range and aggressive ability in the backfield should give him a chance to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year in Quinn’s scheme, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he becomes the “green dot” linebacker, calling plays early in his career. My predraft comp for Styles was Fred Warner, and if he hits that ceiling the Commanders’ defense could become one of the league’s best in a hurry.
62. Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders (Pick 3-71)
My final overall ranking: No. 65
It wouldn’t have been a surprise to see Washington draft a wide receiver in Round 1 — they might have if Tate were available. With no selection in Round 2, drafting a wideout in Round 3 became a must given Terry McLaurin’s age (31) and the lack of obvious options behind him. Williams is a silky-smooth route runner who can line up on the outside or in the slot. The Commanders might have found a future WR1 in Round 3.
96. Kaytron ’Fatman’ Allen, RB, Washington Commanders (Pick 6-187)
My final overall ranking: No. 123
Rachaad White, Jerome Ford and Jacory Croskey-Merritt make up Washington’s backfield, meaning Allen will have a very good shot at making the roster as a sixth-round pick and carving out an immediate role. Coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons at Penn State, Allen seemed to get better as a blocker last season, too, which should add to his value.
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POST-DRAFT ROSTER: EARLY LOOK at Commanders’ 53-Man Roster Projections Reveal Tough Decisions Ahead
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Big Blue View
Is NY Giants GM Joe Schoen getting fired? Getting an extension? What we know
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen might be getting fired this week. Or, he might be getting a long-term contract extension. Or, nothing could happen and the Giants could table a decision on Schoen’s future until his contract runs out at the end of the 2026 season.
It depends who you believe. Or, more accurately, whose reporting turns out to be correct.
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News stirred up this hornet’s nest during an appearance on ‘Awful Announcing’ by saying this:
“You talk to people in the league, it feels like anything is on the board right now. There are people in the NFL who think Joe Schoen could be fired this week.”
Paul Schwartz of the New York Post directly contradicted Leonard by saying he had “no sense at all” that Schoen was about to be fired. He also said this:
“I would not be surprised in the least if he’s offered a contract extension at some point here in the coming weeks … I think this brain trust will be moving forward together.”
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo is also not getting the impression that Schoen is being let go any time soon.
Garafolo said Schoen and Harbaugh “have hit it off really well.”
“I know a lot of people say, well, Harbaugh’s here and Schoen’s going to handle free agency and the draft and after the draft Harbaugh’s going to dispose of him. I do not expect that to happen. Joe Schoen is the general manager of the Giants and John Harbaugh is pleased about that.”
It is, for sure, an arranged marriage. A recent piece by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, who spent a day tagging along with the duo around the Giants’ facility, suggests both men have invested a great deal of time and effort in finding common ground. If you haven’t read Breer’s piece, please do.
Bleeding Green Nation
Eagles assistant general manager is leaving after a long time in Philly
Philadelphia Eagles assistant general manager Alec Halaby has “decided to step away to start a new professional chapter of his career,” according to reporting from NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
This news comes as a surprise since Halaby is highly regarded by the Eagles and has previously drawn interest from other teams around the league. The 38-year-old interviewed for multiple general manager openings; the Miami Dolphins met with him before hiring Jon-Eric Sullivan earlier this year.
One can only speculate about what led Halaby — who has been known for his analytics background — to this decision. Perhaps he felt like there wasn’t a great path to advancing his career by staying with the Eagles. We saw former Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg make a similar decision in this regard two years ago.
Halaby’s assistant GM title allowed Philly to prevent him from interviewing for any non-GM jobs (or decision-making equivalents) elsewhere in the NFL.
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ESPN
Source: Jets host Russell Wilson on visit per Geno Smith’s idea
No contract is imminent, but Wilson is being considered, the source said.
Wilson, 37, is a free agent after playing one season for the New York Giants. He said at the end of the season that he wants to continue playing.
Coach Aaron Glenn has made it clear that Geno Smith, 35, acquired in a March trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, is the starting quarterback. The Jets don’t have an experienced backup. The other quarterbacks on the roster are Bailey Zappe (4-5 as a starter), Brady Cook (0-4) and rookie Cade Klubnik, drafted in the fourth round Saturday.
ESPN
Source: Lions pick up Gibbs’ 5th-year option, decline Campbell’s
The Detroit Lions will exercise the fifth-year option for running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but won’t for All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Gibbs’ fifth-year option for the 2027 season is valued at $14.29 million while Campbell’s option was an estimated $21.925 million, which would’ve been more than the NFL’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker.
Pro Football Talk
Bo Nix undergoes an “expected clean-up” procedure on his ankle
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix had a scheduled re-check with Dr. Norman Waldrop last week. The visit to Waldrop’s practice in Alabama included a clean-up procedure on Nix’s right ankle, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports.
Rapoport added that it was “successful and anticipated.”
Nix fractured his right ankle near the end of the Broncos’ divisional round playoff victory over the Bills. He missed the AFC Championship Game, the first game Nix has missed in his career.
Before his Jan. 20 surgery, Nix called his injury a “simple fracture” that would require only a 4-6 week recovery. He did not mention a necessary follow-up procedure, and team owner Greg Penner said in March that the Broncos were confident Nix would participate in organized team activities as the quarterback was ahead of schedule in his rehab.
Now, the timeline is training camp as the Broncos will be “conservative” with his participation in the offseason program, per Rapoport.
