Joshua Josephs Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics)
School: Tennessee
Class: Redshirt Junior
Position: EDGE
HT: 6’3
WT: 240 lbs
Background: Joshua Josephs was a 4-star edge rusher in the 2022 class out of Kennesaw, Georgia. Josephs was a top 350 player in the class and top 30 edge rusher in the class. Joshua played for North Cobb High School, where he won two consecutive Regions 3 championships. In 2020, he received all-state honors. As a senior in 2021, he tallied 104 tackles and 6 sacks. Joshua Josephs committed to Tennessee over the likes of Michigan and Penn State amongst others.
College: As a true freshman in 2022, Josephs was used in a reserve role. He managed to rack up 12 tackles and 2.5 TFLs in his debut campaign with the Volunteers. As a sophomore, Josephs had 4.5 TFLs and 3 sacks. In 2024, Josephs put it all together in more of an impact role. He had 9 TFLs with 39 tackles. In 2025, as the Vols’ lead pass rusher, Josephs totaled 6 TFLs and 4 sacks on the season.
Strengths: Joshua Josephs is a wiry edge rusher with plenty of length to keep blockers out of his chest in tight quarters. Josephs is a reliable run defender who does well in contain to prevent ball carriers from attacking the B gap. He does well to work ball carriers backwards and around the edge, rather than allowing them to get downhill. He has a large wingspan that he uses to cast a large net as a tackler. As a pass rusher, he explodes out of his stance and into his opponent’s pads. He has a wide range of pass rushing moves. He has an effective chop and swim move to deconstruct blocks while he also has a devastating spin move that leaves offensive tackles stumbling and flat footed. Josephs is a splash play waiting to happen. Time and time again, he turns the game on its head.
Weaknesses: Josephs does not have enough muscle on his frame. He can get outmuscled and washed out in the run game. He doesn’t have the lower body strength to anchor and contain as a run defender. He does not have a bull rush that knocks linemen off their anchor, relying solely on length and finesse to win his reps. Throughout his rush, Joshua’s hands and lower body seem to be out of sync.
Conclusion: Joshua Josephs is an athletic mover for the edge. He has optimal length that allows him to make plays that others can’t. He will need to add some mass to his frame to be more multi-dimensional at the next level. His pure pass rushing upside is that of Day 1 pick.
Best Team Fits: MIA, ARI, NE
Player Comparison: Jaelan Phillips
Player Grade: Round 2 (86.0)
