Joshua Josephs selected by the Washington Commanders with pick No. 147 in the 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

Joshua Josephs was selected by the Washington Commanders with the No. 147 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Tennessee EDGE player had a strong college career, showcasing his potential as a developmental prospect.

Key points

Joshua Josephs selected No. 147 by Washington Commanders
Played EDGE position at Tennessee
Recorded 33 tackles and four sacks in 2025
Possesses good length and power for development
Competing for a backup role in the Commanders' defense

Joshua JosephsWashington CommandersTennessee

Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs (19) celebrates during a college football game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Sept. 27, 2025. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images 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!

Q&A

What are Joshua Josephs' college stats from the 2025 season?

In the 2025 season, Joshua Josephs recorded 33 total tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

What position does Joshua Josephs play for the Washington Commanders?

Joshua Josephs plays as an EDGE rusher for the Washington Commanders, providing depth and potential for the team's defense.

How does Joshua Josephs fit into the Commanders' defensive lineup?

Joshua Josephs will compete for a rotational or backup spot in the Commanders' defense, aiming to develop into a starting role by 2027.