WAS 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).
Pre-draft analysis pegged Josephs as the best available edge rusher on Day 3 of the 2026 draft. Bears Wire highlighted his strength to move offensive linemen and attack opponents, but noted he has work to do as a pure pass rusher. His athleticism and motor suggested he had potential to be more than just a late-round flier (per 10 best available players for Bears on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft).
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
- 2026-06-22 — Ranking the top 10 NFL offseasons: Myles Garrett trade was a win-win for two teams on... (Ranking the top 10 NFL offseasons: Myles Garrett trade was a win-win for two teams on...)
- 2026-03-27 — Updated 2026 NFL Draft Top 150 Big Board (Updated 2026 NFL Draft Top 150 Big Board)
- 2026-04-23 — Aziz’s 2026 NFL Draft positional rankings (defense) (Aziz’s 2026 NFL Draft positional rankings (defense))
- 2026-04-16 — Ranking 17 edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft (Ranking 17 edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft)
- 2026-04-22 — 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Browns, Jets, and Cowboys steal value early as WR and... (7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Browns, Jets, and Cowboys steal value early as WR and...)
- 2026-04-27 — A closer look at the Washington Commanders’ roster after the NFL Draft (A closer look at the Washington Commanders’ roster after the NFL Draft)
- 2026-02-23 — Updated 2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board (Updated 2026 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board)
- 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)
- 2026-04-02 — Patriots NFL Draft Preview 2026: Defensive line & edge rushers (Patriots NFL Draft Preview 2026: Defensive line & edge rushers)
- 2026-04-12 — Final 2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Edge Rushers (Final 2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Edge Rushers)
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?