2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joshua Tarver, S, Yale University

• Name: Joshua Tarver 
• Position: Safety
• College: Yale University 
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 205
• Twitter: @TheJoshuaTarver
• Instagram: @joshhho

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft? 

I think one of the things that makes me a top prospect in my position headed into the 2026 NFL draft is excelling in the intangibles needed to excel at the next level. Things such as an unreal competitive drive and leadership skills that really can’t be taught/replicated. When it comes to my play style, my coverage skills separate me from most safeties in this draft class. My ability to not only play with range in the post, but to come down into the slot and play man on guys of any size is the best part of my game. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I work to win. I hate losing over anything else. Any program I’ve been apart of, my main goal was to win. Win moments throughout the offseason and led that lead to winning games in season. It’s something that’s shown in the schools I’ve been to. That being said, it goes deeper than just winning games.  I want to win reps, matchups, position battles, whatever the situation may be, behind the scenes I’m working to win that situation. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate to helping single mothers. Just understanding how it takes a village to raise children and knowing that donating to that cause could help a mother somewhere do that would mean a lot to me. 

Who was your role model? 

My role model was my mother growing up. Just her ability to put the rest of the family’s needs before her own always stood out to me. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is the Minnesota Vikings. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Scott Truninger.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

People eating with their mouth open 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr.Madden, 12th grade statistics teacher 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Leaving my hometown before my senior year to try and develop as a football player over at IMG Academy. Leaving not only an environment I was comfortable in to go ahead and chase my dreams, but leaving home alone at 17 to go to boarding school and figure out what was next for me. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Ruth Chris Steak House 100%

What is your favorite snack food? 

Pineapples or Fruit snacks

What is your degree in? 

Political science 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

LeBron James, Sean Taylor, and Tom Brady. I just want to talk to them about their mindsets and adversity. Aiming to see how they handle it differently.

What is your biggest weakness? 

My biggest weakness is how I let my play affect myself when I’m off of the field. It eats at me when I’m not playing up to the standard I hold myself too.