Joshua Josephs and the Quest for the Van Ginkel Role: A Commander's Perspective
The Washington Commanders are on a quest to find the perfect player to fill the 'Van Ginkel' role in their defense, a position that has become synonymous with versatility and impact. With the recent hiring of Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator, the team is looking to replicate the success of Brian Flores' former player, Andrew Van Ginkel, who has become a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings' defense.
Van Ginkel, a fifth-round pick in 2019, has become a defensive unicorn, excelling in both pass rush and coverage. His ability to teleport across the field, as described by The Athletic's Alec Lewis, has made him a key cog in the Vikings' defense. The question now is who can step up to fill this role for the Commanders?
One option 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 has mastered. Chaisson's coverage snaps were limited last season, and he lacks the versatility that Van Ginkel brings to the table. Leo Chenal, another potential candidate, has limited pass rush ability and is still developing his coverage skills.
This is where Joshua Josephs comes into play. Selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Josephs was a surprise pick for some fans. However, his athletic profile and upside as a long, athletic edge make him a strong candidate. Josephs has a good first step and plays with effort and discipline, mirroring Van Ginkel's approach. While he may be undersized, his motor and high-effort play make him a developmental prospect worth watching.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Josephs' game is his coverage skills. Despite not being known for coverage at Tennessee, he has shown fluidity and athleticism, dropping back into coverage during training camp. His length and energy stand out, and he has been utilized in Van Ginkel's role, even if he didn't have any splash plays in the preseason game.
Daronte Jones believes that Josephs is in a good situation to develop and improve. He is surrounded by experienced players like Chaisson and Oweh, who can guide him and help him fast-track his maturation process. Jones' faith in Josephs is well-placed, as the rookie has caught the eye of reporters and shown potential in training camp.
While Josephs may not have Van Ginkel's instincts or innate ability to read defenses, he has the tools to develop into a versatile player. His ability to disguise coverage and generate pressure, similar to Van Ginkel, could make him a key cog in Jones' defense. The Commanders should expect a breakout performance from Josephs, who is likely to take on a rotational role and make a significant impact during the season.
In my opinion, the Commanders have a strong candidate in Joshua Josephs to fill the Van Ginkel role. His athletic profile, versatility, and high-effort play make him a player to watch. With the right development and guidance, Josephs could become a key part of the team's defensive success, just as Van Ginkel has done for the Vikings.
