Joshua Josephs NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Washington Commanders Edge

Matt HolderDec 4, 2025

The Washington Commanders selected Tennessee Edge Joshua Josephs with the No. 147 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Joshua Josephs combines high-level athleticism and quickness with a handful of effective pass-rush moves to become a significant contributor as a pass-rusher in the NFL. He's shown promise against the run but does need to add size and strength to develop into a complete player at the next level.

The 6'3", 240-pound edge-defender was a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class and was a rotational player as a true freshman, collecting 12 tackles, 2.5 for loss, one sack and two passes defended in 12 games.

Josephs spent the next two seasons playing behind James Pearce Jr. (Atlanta Falcons' 2025 first-round pick), but still had decent production with 59 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, four PDs and three force fumbles in 25 games during those campaigns.

This past season, the former Volunteer recorded 33 tackles, six TFLs, four sacks, three PDs and three FFs.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 13 Georgia at Tennessee

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- Josephs has a solid frame with room to add weight and very long arms.

- Combines good overall athleticism with quickness and twitch to win as a pass-rusher.

- Quick to react to the snap and accelerates off the line of scrimmage well to win or at least threaten offensive tackles with speed around the edge.

- Decent at setting his pass-rush moves by getting to square on the offensive lineman and giving himself a two-way go.

- Has shown several moves he can win with, like a cross-chop, bull-to-rip and push-pull. Also, improved his timing with his hands this season and has gotten better at working the hands after contact.

- Good closing speed on the quarterback.

- Physical and has shown solid strength at the point of attack as a run defender.

- Can create stalemates against pullers as the force player in run fits.

Areas of Improvement

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AP Photo

- Could afford to add more size and strength to be more stout against the run.

- Struggles to get extension and lock out offensive tackles when setting the edge/taking on blocks.

- Will get collapsed inside by down blocks from tight ends and doesn't see/anticipate crack blocks against pin-and-pull concepts, even when wide receivers are in a reduced split.

- Lacks the mass and strength to be effective when turning speed to power against NFL offensive tackles.

- Ankles are a little stiff, hurting his ability to corner and consistently finish pass-rush wins with sacks.