2026 NFL draft preview: Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday in Pittsburgh, featuring Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs, who is ranked as the No. 94 best available player. Josephs had a notable college career, totaling 104 tackles and 9.5 sacks over four seasons.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft starts Thursday in Pittsburgh, PA
Joshua Josephs is ranked No. 94 in the draft
Josephs had 104 tackles and 9.5 sacks at Tennessee
He played at North Cobb High School in Georgia
Tennessee has produced 391 all-time NFL draft picks

Mentioned in this story

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Joshua JosephsNFL Draft

The NFL draft will kick off Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The seven-round NFL draft will conclude Saturday.

17 former Vols have been selected during the Josh Heupel era as Tennessee’s head coach. Tennessee has produced 391 all-time NFL draft picks, including the AFL draft.

Defensive lineman Joshua Josephs played at Tennessee from 2022-25 and appeared in 48 games, including 16 starts. He totaled 104 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, nine pass deflections, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive lineman went to Tennessee from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. He committed to the Vols and Heupel on Nov. 22, 2021 over 26 other Division I scholarship offers, including five SEC schools.

Josephs is listed as the No. 94 best available player in the 2026 NFL draft, according to ESPN.

Ayrton Ostly of USA TODAY also projects him to be selected in the third round to New Orleans (No. 76 overall).

Joshua Josephs. Tennessee Volunteers versus UAB Blazers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Sept. 20, 2025.

Q&A

What are Joshua Josephs' college football statistics?

Joshua Josephs recorded 104 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, nine pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries during his time at Tennessee.

Where did Joshua Josephs play high school football?

Joshua Josephs played high school football at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

What is the significance of the 2026 NFL Draft for Tennessee players?

The 2026 NFL Draft is significant as it continues Tennessee's legacy, with 391 all-time NFL draft picks and 17 former Vols selected during the Josh Heupel coaching era.