Joshua Josephs is a quick winner off the line of scrimmage. He has a special combination of length, speed, and explosiveness to get after the quarterback. The athletic profile makes him an intriguing option beyond the first round. This article will highlight Joshua Josephs and his 2026 NFL Draft Profile.
2026 NFL Big Board (Version One)
2026 NFL Draft Profile of Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs
Measurables
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 237 lbs
Arm Length: 34 3/4”
Wingspan: 83 3/8”
Hand Size: 9 5/8”
Player Background
As a four-star recruit out of North Cobb High School, Joshua Josephs was the 20th-ranked edge rusher in the country and considered a top-20 player within the state of Georgia. He committed to the University of Tennessee during the 2022 recruiting cycle, despite receiving offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Miami. Josephs was able to appear in 12 games as a true freshman but made a minimal impact with just one sack.
Over the next two seasons, he was limited to a rotational role due to the players in front of him on the depth chart. Eventual top-100 selections Byron Young and James Pearce Jr. held down the starting roles while Josephs made splash plays further down the depth chart. In his final season with the Volunteers, he was finally rewarded with the starting role and didn’t disappoint. According to Pro Football Focus, his 90.4 pass rush grade fell within the top-25 of all edge rushers in College Football.
Accolades
Senior Bowl Top-300 List (2025)
Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week (2025)
SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (2024 vs Oklahoma)
Best Tools
Joshua Josephs will take the NFL Combine by storm this week. He is a truly gifted athlete with 91st percentile length and a wingspan that ranks within the 92nd percentile of edge rushers. From wide alignments, Josephs is able to get out of his stance quickly and work upfield in his rush. His elite closing speed helps him finish off sacks, while his arm length allows him to target the throwing arm and create forced fumbles.
It is clear Josephs made the most of his development under James Pearce Jr. and Byron Young. This is a prospect with underrated nuance for a player with limited starting experience. He possesses a deep bag of moves to help him be more than just a one-trick speed rusher and stays square with offensive linemen to set up his rush. Whether it’s a cross-chop, two-hand swipe, or his lethal spin, this is a developed rusher with a clear plan.
Tools to Improve
At an unofficial 237 pounds, it’s no secret that Joshua Josephs will need to get stronger and fill out his frame. In the run game, his lack of strength prevents him from making a true impact. He struggles to control the edge and hold his position at the point of attack. As a pass rusher, he doesn’t consistently execute bull rushes against bigger linemen. Unless Josephs adds more mass, stronger offensive linemen will anchor down and neutralize his speed rush.
Even with elite twitch and explosiveness, Josephs doesn’t have great flexibility. His ankles are incredibly stiff, which prevents him from comfortably sinking his hips to maximize bend around the corner. Even with long arms, Josephs struggles to tackle consistently. His 23.5% missed tackle rate is concerning and will be a major red flag for front offices during the process.
NFL Projection
Joshua Josephs will need to bulk up if he hopes to avoid being just a situational pass rusher. His measurements at the upcoming NFL Combine will be incredibly important. If he is under 240 pounds heading into the 2026 season, Josephs will still make an impact as a designated pass rusher. His combination of speed, explosiveness, and length will translate directly into the league, but it will take time before he is ready to play on all three downs at the next level.
Main Photo: [Saul Young/News Sentinel] – Imagn Images