Joshua Josephs
Washington CommandersOur College Grade
How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.
Scouting Report
Tennessee · 2026 draft class
Joshua Josephs is a physical marvel at the edge position, combining rare length and first-step quickness with high-level athleticism to project as a significan't NFL pass-rush contributor. The 6'3", 240-pound Tennessee edge defender was a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class and boasts an exceptional physical profile with a staggering 82-inch wingspan and arms measuring over 36 inches-elite length that gives him immediate NFL tools. Josephs doesn't just win with athleticism; he processes backfield action quickly and rarely bites on misdirection, showing the football intelligence teams covet. His electronically-timed 4.72-second 40-yard dash provides the speed to threaten the edge, while his handful of effective pass-rush moves make him a consistent pressure generator. The challenge for Josephs is converting those pressures into sacks-he must improve his ability to finish at the quarterback to maximize his considerable ceiling. While he lacks the mass and strength to be effective when turning speed to power against NFL tackles, his rare traits and processing speed make him a coveted developmental pass-rusher with Day 2 upside.
Strengths
- Rare 82-inch wingspan with 36+ inch arm length
- Elite first-step quickness off the snap
- High-level athleticism with 4.72 electronic 40-yard dash
- Processes backfield action quickly
- Rarely bites on misdirection or play fakes
- Multiple effective pass-rush moves in arsenal
- Consistent pressure generator
- Good motor and effort
- Fluid athlete with natural pass-rush bend
- Length creates problems for tackles at point of attack
Concerns
- Lacks mass and strength for speed-to-power conversions
- Ankle stiffness hurts ability to corner and finish
- Must improve converting pressures into sacks
- Below ideal weight at 240 lbs for edge position
- Can get washed out against NFL power schemes
- Coverage skills are undeveloped
- Needs better counter moves when initial rush stalls
- Frame may struggle to hold up against bigger NFL tackles
College Production
2025: Consistent pressure generator for Tennessee; Career: 4-star recruit (2022); Key contributor in SEC competition
Honors
#11 EDGE with 7.3 grade (B/R); #8 EDGE per Mel Kiper; Day 2 projection (ADP 63.6)