Joshua Josephs

Draft Projection

Measurements

Athletic Testing

College Statistics

Scouting Report

Speed rusher with an insane 82-inch wingspan and impressive get-off who consistently applies pressure forcing tackles onto their heels. Best uses of his tools are generating pressure through his athleticism and length, though sack production has been limited (9.5 in four seasons). Lacks size needed to be an effective run defender and will be primarily a third-down specialist early in his career.

Player Comparison

Strengths

• Freakish 82-inch wingspan creates immediate leverage advantages, allowing him to stab and control offensive tackles before they can get hands on his frame.
• Possesses rare first-step quickness that consistently puts offensive linemen in recovery mode - the type of get-off that can't be taught or developed.
• Plays with exceptional discipline against the run, setting a hard edge and maintaining gap integrity while showing rare patience for a player with his explosiveness.
• Natural bend and flexibility when turning the corner lets him flatten to the quarterback at sharp angles that offensive tackles simply can't mirror.
• Shows impressive processing of backfield action - rarely bites on misdirection and consistently diagnoses screen passes before they develop.
• Converts speed to power effectively, delivering a shocking jolt with his long arm technique that consistently rocks SEC tackles backward.
• Varied pass rush arsenal includes a devastating cross-chop and inside counter that was particularly effective against Alabama and Oklahoma tackles.
• Plays with genuine nasty streak in crucial situations - when Tennessee needed a momentum-shifting play against Kentucky, he hunted it down relentlessly.

Areas to Improve

• Still needs to add functional strength to his lower half, as powerful offensive tackles can occasionally anchor against his initial rush and neutralize him.
• Hand technique remains inconsistent - flashes elite hand usage followed by reps where he fails to efficiently disengage once blockers latch onto his frame.
• Sack production hasn't matched his pressure rate, suggesting he needs refinement in how to finish rushes when he reaches the quarterback.
• Occasionally plays too high in his stance, negating his natural leverage advantage and allowing offensive linemen to get under his pads.
• Despite athletic gifts, can sometimes be a half-step slow recognizing developing run plays that attack him directly, particularly on zone concepts.