Have the Dallas Cowboys found their missing piece for their defense ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft? 

The NFL Draft is approaching thick and fast, with all the franchises looking to get the best out of this year's draft class. 

Reports have emerged that Joshua Josephs could be a potential draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys.

As per Cody Warren, Josephs is not “just another speed guy.” While the defender is explosive, what separates him from the pack is his “length.” Josephs has roughly a 33-inch wingspan, and arms make him look bigger than his original size. 

The 22-year-old Georgia native is a senior at the University of Tennessee. The six-foot, three-inch, 240-pound defender could be on his way to the Dallas Cowboys.

In his four years at Tennessee, Jospehs played 48 games, forced six fumbles, and recovered four of them. 

For Dallas fans, this should excite them as they desperately need all the help they can get on the defensive side of the field. They had one of the worst defenses in 2025, and losing Micah Parsons did not help their cause.

The defense allowed 511 points, which was a franchise record and the NFL high. Josephs is projected to go late in the first round or early in the second round of the NFL draft. 

The Dallas Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th first-round picks, respectively. They also hold a direct fourth round pick, which would not help in their pursuit of Joshua Jospehs. The Cowboys will need to use their 20th overall pick to secure the services of the versatile defender. 

Joshua Josephs will still need quite some polishing to be league-ready, but Dallas could use this modern, versatile defender. 

Who does Joshua Josephs credit for his breakout season in 2025?

As the Vol’s defender aims to be among the pros. Josephs gives praise to his coach, Rodney Garner.

“Rodney Garner, as a man, he’s helped me develop and grow up as fast as I needed to,” said Josephs. Rodney Garner is the defensive line coach at the University of Tennessee.  

This was seen as Josephs had a breakout 2025 season, having 33 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two pass deflections. 

Rodney Garner is widely recognized as one of the best defensive end coaches in college football. Joshua Jospehs would enter the league having been coached by the game's finest. 

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Kalp Thaker