After setting a physical tone early in the 2026 NFL Draft by grabbing Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles to anchor the defense, and adding offensive firepower with Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams on Day 2, Washington shifted its focus back to the defensive trenches.
With the No. 147 overall pick in the fifth round, the Commanders selected Tennessee EDGE rusher Joshua Josephs. When operating in the later rounds, teams are essentially buying lottery tickets. They want athletes with unteachable physical traits and raw upside. Josephs fits that bill perfectly. Here is our comprehensive breakdown of what the former Volunteer brings to the Burgundy and Gold, how he fits into the defensive scheme, and what the D.C. fanbase is saying.
The Profile: An NBA-Caliber Wingspan and Elite Measurements
When you fire up the film on Joshua Josephs, the first thing that jumps off the screen is his astonishing length. According to his pro day measurements, the Georgia native stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 242 pounds. However, the most jaw-dropping number on his profile is his nearly 7-foot wingspan (measuring precisely 6 feet, 11 7/8 inches). NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein appropriately described it as an “NBA-caliber wingspan.”
In the gritty battles of the NFL trenches, length is a premium commodity. Josephs uses his 34 1/4-inch arms to keep offensive tackles out of his chest, maintaining separation so he can freely disengage. He complements that length with impressive lower-body explosion, logging a 38.5-inch vertical jump and a 1.68-second 10-yard split that instantly stresses offensive tackles off the edge.
A Consistent Playmaker in the SEC
At the University of Tennessee, Josephs was heavily utilized in the “LEO” role—a hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker position. While he could occasionally drop into shallow zone coverage, his primary directive was to pin his ears back and hunt the quarterback. Over his four-year collegiate career, he racked up 104 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, and an impressive six forced fumbles.
His junior campaign in 2024 was a major breakout, as he posted an elite 91.4 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus. He followed that up with a stellar senior season in 2025, generating a career-best 32 quarterback pressures. He is a high-motor player who relentlessly chases down plays from the backside, possessing a natural knack for creating strip-sack opportunities.
The Roster Fit: A Developmental Pass-Rush Specialist
Let’s be realistic: Josephs is a developmental piece, not an immediate three-down starter. Washington’s front office has made a concerted effort to rebuild the pass rush through free agency, bringing in established veterans like Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson. However, a major concern for the front office was a lack of long-term security. With several veteran contracts expiring in 2027, the roster desperately needed young, rotational depth on cost-controlled rookie contracts.
Josephs gives the Washington defensive coaching staff an incredibly athletic ball of clay to mold. Expect him to start his 2026 rookie campaign as a situational, third-and-long pass-rush specialist while contributing heavily on special teams. To maximize his immense potential, Josephs will need to hit the weight room and add functional mass. Right now, his outside speed rush can occasionally become predictable; developing a functional inside counter-move will be the key to unlocking his true ceiling in the NFL.
Fan Reaction: High Upside and a Hilarious Quarterback Connection
The reaction across the Commanders’ fandom has been overwhelmingly positive. Draft analysts and fans alike view pick No. 147 as tremendous value. Social media has been buzzing with highlights of his relentless motor, with optimistic fans comparing his athletic profile to a younger version of Chaisson.
But the most viral takeaway from the fanbase involves a hilarious blast from the past. Commanders fans quickly unearthed the footage of Josephs’ very first career college sack back in 2022. Who was the unfortunate quarterback he took down? None other than his new Washington franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels, during his tenure at LSU. It’s safe to say the rookie might have a few trash-talk lines saved up for training camp.
