Joshua Josephs

NFL player. Position: EDGE. Team: WAS.

Quick Facts

Position: Edge Rusher
Team: WAS (Washington Commanders)
College: Tennessee
Draft: 2026 Round 5, Pick 146

2026 Outlook

Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs was selected by the Washington Commanders in Round 5 (pick 146), 56 slots earlier than expected based on his projected draft slot (77). Josephs projects as a potential developmental prospect with significant upside. As a pass rusher, his speed off the line and through the line of scrimmage is evident on tape, paired with a ridiculous wingspan that defensive coaches dream of. His relative lack of impact as a run defender—with a nearly 25% missed tackle rate in college—raises questions about whether he can develop into a complete defensive end or remain a situational pass rusher to start (per How the Commanders finessed the 2026 NFL Draft to steal massive value).

Role / Depth Chart

Developmental Day 3 pick; may only serve in pass-rush capacity to start while coaching staff develops his run-defense skills.

Injury Status

Healthy entering 2026.

Recent News

2026-06-02 — Ranking college football's top 100 newcomers for the 2026 season (Ranking college football's top 100 newcomers for the 2026 season)
2026-04-24 — 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: The 100 Best Players Available on Night 2 (2026 NFL Draft Big Board: The 100 Best Players Available on Night 2)
2026-04-16 — NFL Draft Preview: Patriots To Explore Pass Rush Possibilities (NFL Draft Preview: Patriots To Explore Pass Rush Possibilities)
2026-04-28 — Josh Heupel updates Chaz Coleman status amid Tennessee absence, NIL questions (Josh Heupel updates Chaz Coleman status amid Tennessee absence, NIL questions)
2026-02-23 — Updated 2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board (Updated 2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board)
2026-04-26 — 2026 NFL Draft Day 3 grades, picks: Every selection in Rounds 4-7 (2026 NFL Draft Day 3 grades, picks: Every selection in Rounds 4-7)
2026-04-23 — Final 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: The top 450 draft prospects (Final 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: The top 450 draft prospects)
2026-04-24 — 2026 NFL Draft: The best remaining players ahead of Day 3 (2026 NFL Draft: The best remaining players ahead of Day 3)
2026-04-23 — 2026 NFL Draft Best Available: Top Players After Round 1 (2026 NFL Draft Best Available: Top Players After Round 1)
2026-04-24 — 2026 NFL Draft: 10 best available players at every position ahead of Day 3 (2026 NFL Draft: 10 best available players at every position ahead of Day 3)

Open Questions

Can Josephs develop into a complete edge rusher or will he remain a pass-rush specialist?
How much will his wingspan translate to NFL pad level and gap integrity?