Joshua Braun

Joshua Braun was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and grew up in Florida. His father (Mike), who later became a football coach and athletic director, played offensive tackle at Army (1986-89); his mother (Karen) was a four-year starter on Army’s basketball team (1985-89). His older brother (Trey) was an offensive guard at Georgia Tech (2011-15); his other older brother (Parker) was an offensive guard at Georgia Tech (2016-18) and Texas (2019). Joshua Braun married his wife (Azucena) in June 2022. He has two degrees and wants to be a pastor and theologian after football. He played football and tennis at Suwanee High School (4.0 GPA and 1560 SAT). A four-star recruit, Braun was the 22nd-ranked offensive tackle in the 2020 class. He originally committed to Georgia because of his relationship with former O-line coach Sam Pittman, but when Pittman left for the Arkansas head coaching job, Braun flipped to Florida. After three years in Gainesville, he fulfilled his original plan and joined Pittman at Arkansas for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He transferred again, to Kentucky, for his final season of eligibility. Braun is built well for the position, with NFL-caliber arm length, thickness and overall mass. Though he has functional movements, he is more of a phone-booth blocker — he’s best when he can worry more about latching and sustaining than trying to mirror quickness. He can put down a firm anchor against power, although his timing and handwork needs to continue developing. He has a long resume, with 43 starts almost evenly split between both guard spots. Overall, Braun is an older, battle-tested blocker who wins with size and strength, although I expected more consistent technique and control, considering his experience. The measurables will ensure he gets a long look — and extra leash — once in an NFL camp.