It took a little while longer than perhaps some experts and many Vol fans expected, but Tennessee had another player go off the board after Jermod McCoy’s selection to start the fourth round.
Finally, Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs was tabbed by the Washington Commanders with the No. 147 overall pick in the fifth round of the draft.
Josephs started 11 games last year after taking over as a starter in 2025. He had 33 total tackles, six tackles for
loss, four sacks, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He also had a crucial return for a touchdown in the 41-34 overtime win over Mississippi State last year.
Josephs has very good length to play the position, measuring at 6-3, 242 pounds and with 34 1/4-inch arms at the combine. Between his length and the power he plays with, he has the tools to be a developmental prospect with a higher ceiling than most edge rushers on Day 3.
The Commanders are a team who are in need of playmakers all over their defense, and edge rushing help isn’t an exception to that. Washington did invest big in Odafe Oweh on one side, but signed former Patriot K’Lavon Chaisson to a one-year deal, so he’s a free agent after 2026. But for this season, Washington is set at both OLB spots, so Josephs will be fighting to carve out a rotational/backup spot as he works to develop into a start in 2027 and beyond. Not a bad spot for a young player to be in.
Congrats, Joshua!
