If the Tennessee Titans use the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on an offensive player like Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, it would behoove them to use either their second-round or third-round picks to select a pass rusher who can give this new-look defense a spark.
Robert Saleh and Mike Borgonzi may not need to go very far if they want to check that box, as the University of Tennessee may have provided them with a player who could help give this defense a dose of youth and speed in Joshua Josephs.
While Josephs will need to be developed properly, his traits for the position are incredibly rare, and a coach like Saleh is likely going to go over the top with regard to his desire to add someone who has fringe wide receiver speed at the defensive end position.
Titans could add Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs in 2026 NFL Draft
Every NFL Draft class has one top prospect that is a complete gamble on traits, and Josephs fits the bill this year. Josephs recorded just four sacks this season and 9.5 in his four seasons with the Titans. However, the traits are too enticing for a coach like Saleh to pass up.
With a ridiculous 82-inch wingspan, a first step that is as quick as any player in this class, and the ability to set the edge better than most rushers his size, Josephs is just a few extra pounds and some more refined pass rush techniques away from being a game-wrecker in the NFL.
Saleh appears committed to bringing as many of his old Jets to Tennessee as possible. With a speedy wide-9 edge rusher in Bryce Huff announcing his retirement, Saleh can get someone who could possibly be an upgraded version on Day 2 of the draft.
Jermaine Johnson is coming off a terrible season in which he recorded just three sacks while struggling with getting consistent pressure, and he's the Titans' best edge rusher right now. Femi Oladejo is still a work in progress. An edge is needed at some point in the first three rounds.
Josephs never managed to hit his ceiling in college, but with a defensive staff that blows away what Josh Heupel was working with as Volunteers head coach last season, there's reason to believe that staying in the state of Tennessee might be the best thing for him.