Joshua Josephs

The Player

Josephs is a long, explosive edge rusher with high-end pass rush efficiency and disruptive traits, but his projection is tempered by inconsistencies against the run, tackling issues, and questions about his reliability.

Josephs’s calling card as a pass rusher is his ability to convert speed to power. He uses his length and violent hands effectively to keep blockers off his frame and collapse the pocket. His blend of lower-body explosion and torso flexibility allows him to stay active and advance his rush even when initially engaged. Even though he lacks elite size and speed, his production and efficiency stand out—his pass rush win rate places him among the top tier in the class, and his pressure numbers back it up. At his best, he can stress even high-level tackles, as seen in his strong matchups against top competition.

Against the run, Josephs is more inconsistent. He plays with energy and range, making plays in pursuit and flashing an aggressive motor. However, his lean frame and rising pad level make it difficult for him to consistently hold the point of attack. He can be displaced or washed out, and his high missed tackle rate highlights his issues with finishing plays.

Athletically, he offers intriguing tools—length, explosiveness, and functional speed—but he’s not a dominant physical presence. His game relies more on his technique, effort, and hand usage than on any overwhelming traits.

There are also some concerns off the field; he’s gotten mixed feedback from teams regarding his interviews and personality, which could affect his evaluation.

The Draft

Josephs doesn’t have the traits or college production of some of the top edge guys in this loaded group. However, he’s one of the more underrated prospects in the class, and he’s a lock to go on day two, potentially as high as the late second round. 

The Projection

Josephs projects as a rotational pass rush specialist with the upside to develop into a more complete edge. His length, hands, and pass rush productivity should ensure that he gets a clear role early on, but he’ll have to improve his play strength, run defense, and consistency to grow into a full-time contributor. Josephs has some shades of Jalyx Hunt (Eagles) and Uchenna Nwosu (Seahawks) in his game. They’re both shorter-framed, long-armed, athletic edge rushers who entered the league with less than eye-popping college sack totals but whose tape tells a different story.