The Washington Commanders took former Tennessee EDGE rusher Joshua Josephs in the fifth round of the NFL Draft last month in Pittsburgh. Josephs was one of five VFLs selected in the draft after spending all four of his collegiate years with the Volunteers.
While at Tennessee, Josephs wore No. 19 each season. During his time at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, GA, he wore No. 13 and 17. Josephs is now moving out of the teens with his first number in the NFL.
According to a post from the Commanders on Thursday, Josephs is set to wear No. 48 with Washington.
The #️⃣s are in… pic.twitter.com/TYkK8Qwwh4
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 7, 2026
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Josephs was Washington’s third pick in a draft class that included Kaytron Allen, Sonny Styles, Antonio Williams, Matt Gulbin, and Athan Kaliakmanis. He’s headed to a team that’s coached by the defensive-minded guru Dan Quinn.
Josephs landed with Washington after being a four-year player at the University of Tennessee. During his career as a whole, Josephs racked up 104 total tackles, eight pass deflections, 9.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles. He is coming off a senior season in which he produced 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown in 11 games played.
While James Pearce Jr. was the Vols’ spotlight EDGE rusher in 2024, Josephs still played very well. That year, he played in all 13 games, including the College Football Playoffs loss to Ohio State. He recorded 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Josephs now gives the Commanders an exciting, young EDGE rusher to add to their defense. He’s got a wealth of defensive line knowledge after playing under Rodney Garner for the last four years and still has plenty of room to blossom into a talented player in the league.
The only other former Tennessee player to have a number revealed yet is Jermod McCoy, who will wear No. 28 with the Las Vegas Raiders. We’re still waiting to hear on Colton Hood, Chris Brazzell, and Tyre West.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Football coverage.
