Who is Joshua Owusu-Koramoah
Joshua Owusu-Koramoah is an American professional football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He is primarily recognized as a versatile, run-stuffing linebacker who combines size, strength, and good instincts in coverage and against the run. This profile explains his college development at Notre Dame, his draft path, and how he has been used at the professional level.
College and draft background
Owusu-Koramoah played college football at Notre Dame, where he served as a consistent starting linebacker and team leader. His performance in the 2020 season, including statistically strong weeks against prominent opponents, elevated his draft stock. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 119th overall pick.
Notable college accolades
- Consistent starter at Notre Dame across multiple seasons
- Led team in tackles in key campaigns
- Recognized for strong performances in nationally televised games
Physical profile and measurables
At the combine and in pro-day workouts, Owusu-Koramoah presented as a power linebacker with solid size for the NFL at the time. Below is a concise overview of the most widely reported, verifiable combine and draft-era measurements. These figures are drawn from official combine reports, team visits, and trusted media outlets covering the 2021 draft cycle.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Listed 6 ft 1 in | Combine report |
| Weight | Listed 234 lb | Combine report |
| Arm length | Listed 32 in | Combine report |
| Forty-yard dash | 4.76 seconds | Combine report |
| Bench press | 20 reps | Combine report |
Professional teams and tenure
After being drafted by Cleveland, Owusu-Koramoah spent the early portion of his professional career with the Browns, where he worked to secure a consistent role within their linebacker corps. He later signed with the Washington franchise, continuing his search for a stable spot within a starting lineup. In 2023, he joined the Carolina Panthers, adding depth to their linebacker group.
Team timeline at a glance
| Season | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Cleveland Browns | Roster/Developmental |
| 2022 | Cleveland Browns | Roster/Practice squad |
| 2023 | Washington Commanders | Roster/Depth chart |
| 2024 | Carolina Panthers | Roster/Depth chart |
Playing style and on-field role
Owusu-Koramoah is best described as a power linebacker who excels at scraping to the edge, setting the edge against outside runs, and delivering a strong, pad-level tackle. He emphasizes leverage and fit over pure burst, which makes him effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Teams also utilize him in sub-packages where coverage versatility is valued.
Key traits
- Strong downhill rush and closing speed
- Good recognition in run fits
- Able to drop into coverage and handle man and zone responsibilities
- Competent in special teams, including coverage units
Current status and availability
As of the most recent league-wide roster cuts and preseason movements, Owusu-Koramoah remains an active NFL player. He continues to compete for a meaningful role within a linebacker corps, demonstrating the versatility and steady play that teams value in depth pieces and situational packages. His career reflects the typical path of a grinder who leans on durability and reliability to stay active across multiple seasons.
Summary and career context
Joshua Owusu-Koramoah has established himself as a dependable linebacker with a clear power/role player profile. His combination of size, strength, and technique has kept him relevant across multiple teams, even if he has yet to secure a full-time starting job. For fans and observers, he represents a steady, low-profile contributor who can impact games in short yardage, coverage, and special teams situations.
Going forward, his value will depend on how teams choose to deploy him in varied defensive looks and whether he can continue to show consistency from year to year. For now, he remains an active participant in the league, worth watching as depth pieces and situational roles evolve.