Joshua Josephs and the Quest for Van Ginkel's Legacy
The Washington Commanders are on a quest to find their own Andrew Van Ginkel, a player who embodies the elusive combination of coverage and pass rush prowess. With the departure of Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator, the team is now searching for a player who can fill the void left by the legendary Van Ginkel, who was a key cog in the Minnesota Vikings' defense.
Van Ginkel, a fifth-round pick in 2019, was a product of Brian Flores' early belief in his potential. Flores recognized Van Ginkel's length, instincts, and versatility, using him to create constant uncertainty for quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. His ability to rush, drop in coverage, and set the edge against the run made him a unique and effective player.
The question now is who can step into this role for the Commanders? The most likely candidate is K'Lavon Chaisson, a projected starter opposite Odafe Oweh. Chaisson has pass rush ability and can set the edge in the run game, but he falls short in coverage, a skill that Van Ginkel mastered. Chaisson played only 25 coverage snaps last season, a stark contrast to Van Ginkel's 135 coverage snaps, which was the most among edge rushers.
Another option is Leo Chenal, but he has limited pass rush ability and his coverage skills are still developing. The Commanders may look within their own ranks for a solution, and that's where Joshua Josephs comes into play. Josephs, a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was selected with the No. 147 overall pick and offers a similar athletic profile to Van Ginkel.
Josephs has a good first step and plays with effort and a high motor. He had a strong final season at Tennessee, recording 33 tackles, six TFLs, four sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. While he may be undersized, Josephs has the tools to develop into a versatile player.
What sets Josephs apart is his ability in coverage. Despite not being known for his coverage skills at Tennessee, he has shown fluidity and athleticism during training camp, dropping back into coverage comfortably. His length and energy have caught the eye of reporters, and he has been utilized in Van Ginkel's role during joint practice sessions.
However, Josephs still has a long way to go. He lacks Van Ginkel's instincts and innate ability to read defenses, and he needs time to develop his game. Daronte Jones believes that Josephs is in a good situation to fast-track his maturation process, surrounded by experienced players like Chaisson, Oweh, and Dorance Armstrong.
Jones' faith in Josephs is well-placed, as the rookie has shown potential in coverage and pass rush. While he didn't have any splash plays in the preseason game, his energy and motor were on display. Josephs' length and versatility make him a player who can fill the role of Van Ginkel, and his ability to disguise coverage and generate pressure could make the Commanders' defense more effective.
In conclusion, the Commanders are on the right track by seeking a player who can emulate Van Ginkel's unique skills. Joshua Josephs has the potential to become a breakout star, and with the right development and guidance, he could become the next Van Ginkel, adding a new chapter to the legend's legacy.
