Joshua Josephs

NFL Draft Profile: Joshua Josephs

Position: LEO / EDGE | School: Tennessee

Class: Senior | Height: 6'3" | Weight: 240 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Speed Rusher)

College Career Summary

Joshua Josephs leaves Knoxville as a vital piece of the "ferocious" pass rush that defined the Vols' defense alongside James Pearce Jr. Over his four-year career, Josephs evolved from a situational freshman to a senior leader who specialized in the "LEO" role—a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position. While he lacked massive sack volume (9.5 career sacks), his efficiency was elite; he entered 2025 as the only returning edge in the country with PFF grades above 85.0 in both run defense and pass rushing. His 2025 season was a masterclass in disruption, leading the team in QB pressures (30) and ranking 3rd in the SEC in forced fumbles. Though he missed the Music City Bowl to prepare for the NFL, he cemented his status as a "turnover generator" with a career-high 3 forced fumbles and a 41-yard defensive touchdown in 2025.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 48 (11 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 104 (33 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 22.0 (6.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 9.5 (4.0 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 6 (3 in 2025)

• QB Hurries: 30 (2025 Season Lead)

• Defensive TDs: 1 (41-yard fumble return vs. Mississippi St.)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Syracuse	1.0 Sack, 1 FF	A-	Explosive start; forced fumble led to early momentum.
ETSU	1.0 Sack, 2 Tkl	B+	Overwhelmed the tackle with speed; efficient snaps.
No. 2 Georgia	4 Tkl, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Strip-sack on 4th down kept Vols in it.
UAB	1 Tkl, 1 PBU, 1 QBH	B	Controlled his gap; disrupted throwing lanes.
@ Mississippi St.	9 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 1 TD	A	Career-high tackles and a 41-yard scoop-and-score.
Arkansas	3 Tkl, 1 FF	A-	Clutch. Forced fumble on Green set up winning drive.
@ No. 6 Alabama	2 Tkl, 0.5 TFL, 1 FR	B+	High Mental Toughness; recovered a fumble in the red zone.
@ Kentucky	2 Tkl	B-	Reached 100 career tackles; quiet but steady day.
No. 8 Oklahoma	1 Tkl, 2 QBH	B	Pressured the pocket; stats don't reflect impact.
New Mexico St.	DNP	N/A	Rested/Injured; sat out non-conference blowout.
@ Florida	2 Tkl, 1 QBH	B	Solid edge discipline in a tough road environment.
No. 12 Vanderbilt	3 Tkl, 1 PBU	B-	Worst Game. Struggled with mobile QB containment late.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• First-Step Explosion: His Acceleration off the snap is elite. He consistently wins the half-man and forces offensive tackles into a "panic" kick-slide.

• Master of Disruption: 30 pressures and 3 forced fumbles in 2025 prove he is a "Star" impact player even when he doesn't record the sack.

• Elite Length & Hand Usage: Despite being 240 lbs, he uses 34-inch+ arms to keep O-Linemen off his chest, showing high Technique.

• Run Defense Consistency: Historically high PFF run defense grades (91.4 in 2024); he sets a remarkably hard edge for a "speed rusher" archetype.

Weaknesses

• Frame Limitation: At 240 lbs, he is "light" for a standard NFL defensive end. He can be moved by elite power-running schemes if double-teamed.

• Lack of Bend: He is more of a "linear" explosive athlete. He doesn't possess the "ghost" dip or extreme ankle flexion to turn corners tightly.

• Injury/Durability: Was "banged up" down the stretch of 2025; scouts will check his stamina for a full 17-game NFL season.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-4 Outside Linebacker or a LEO Specialist in a hybrid front.

NFL Comparison: Uchenna Nwosu / Harold Landry

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Joshua Josephs is the quintessential "modern" edge rusher. While he may lack the traditional bulk of a 270-lb end, his ability to generate turnovers and lead a Power-4 team in pressures makes him a high-value commodity. He is a high-IQ player who understands leverage and timing. His tape against Georgia and Mississippi State shows a player who can take over a game in the 4th quarter. He will likely start his career as a sub-package pass-rush specialist with the potential to grow into a Pro Bowl-caliber 3-4 starter.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (Top 50 Pick)