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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.
What are the Commanders getting in 5th round EDGE Joshua Josephs?-Excellent length-Upside as rusher, coverage and run defender-Raw techniqueFull breakdown: https://t.co/Jp6aVmWIYD pic.twitter.com/EKJMOjKR7I
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.
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.
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.”
.@BaldyNFL on Commanders new WR Antonio Williams:“There’s not a route he can’t run” #RaiseHail #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/HoSi9qOBwW
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.