The Washington Commanders continued to add depth and versatility to their defense in the 2026 NFL draft, selecting University of Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs in the 4th round (No. 147 overall).
From Commanders.com: “Josephs, a four-year contributor for the University of Tennessee, recorded 104 tackles with 9.5 sacks and eight pass breakups in his career with the Vols. He was a two-year starter in 2024 and 2025 and led Tennessee with three forced fumbles two years ago.”
Josephs, 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, was just the 3rd pick for the Commanders in the draft after taking Ohio State inside linebacker Sonny Styles in the 1st round (No. 7 overall) and Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams in the 3rd round (No. 71 overall).
“New Commanders EDGE Joshua Josephs is a STEAL at #147,” Commanders fan account Jay Daniels MVP wrote on X.
Mock Drafts Basically Ignored Joshua Josephs
The numbers on Joshua Josephs seemed to indicate he would be selected much sooner than the 5th round, but there just wasn’t much buzz around him in the lead-up.
“Joshua Josephs’ speed/length has a crazy high ceiling for someone I’ve never seen in a Round 1 mock draft,” Underdog’s Hayden Minks wrote on his official X account on March 18.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Josephs as a 4th round pick.
“Long, upright edge defender with an NBA-caliber wingspan and room to continue filling out his frame,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft evaluation. “Josephs uses his arms to stay separated from blocks and spill runs wide. However, he needs to get bigger and stronger to better support the run against NFL blocking. He has long strides and plus closing burst to chase and capture. His pass rush is the same on every snap, showing good burst and effort but a predictable track that is slowed by force. He’s not a natural bender, so adding go-to moves, a functional inside counter and better rush plans will be essential. With added weight and continued schooling, Josephs could deliver much more consistent production than he’s provided so far.”
Played in Shadow of Future 1st Round Pick
Josephs didn’t have a very high profile headed into 2025 because he spent his 1st 3 seasons of college football playing in the shadow of another dynamic edge rusher in 2025 1st round pick James Pearce Jr.
Pearce, 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, was projected as a possible No. 1 overall pick at 1 point in his college career but dropped to the Falcons with the No. 26 overall pick.
As a rookie, Pearced had a whopping 10.5 sacks in 17 games with just 3 starts.
“Joshua Josephs was a mainstay on the Tennessee defensive line for a few years, playing alongside of guys like James Pearce, Omarr Norman-Lott and the rest of what became a deep front,” Yahoo Sports NFL draft analyst Terry Lambert wrote on April 24. “Despite never truly being billed as ‘the guy’ up front, Josephs was constantly making plays. He really emerged during Tennessee’s 2024 run to the College Football Playoff, tallying nine tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. That production continued in 2025 with Josephs being the top option at the LEO spot in Knoxville.”
Commanders Draft 6-foot-3, 242-Pound Edge Rusher With ‘NBA-Caliber Wingspan’