Karl Joseph is an undersized safety out of West Virginia, but he is also one of the most talented, toughest players in the 2016 NFL Draft without question as he can virtually do it all.
According to NFL.com, Joseph is considered a top 50 player in the upcoming NFL draft, coming in 39th overall and the 3rd ranked safety.
“Joseph is a three-year starter for the Mountaineers but he missed the majority of the 2015 campaign due to injury. This is an aggressive player that plays much bigger than his size. Against the pass, he has excellent instincts and range from the deep middle. He will occasionally match up with tight ends in coverage. He has the speed and agility to mirror them but he will get out-muscled for the ball at times. He is a missile against the run. He explodes to the alley and he has some big hits on his resume. However, he does fail to break down occasionally and will have some fly-by missed tackles. Overall, Joseph lacks ideal size but he is a playmaker and I love his physical style.”
Taking it one step further, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has Joseph as a first round draft pick at 31st overall to the Carolina Panthers. If Joseph does go in the first round he would join Bruce Irvin (2012), Tavon Austin (2013), and Kevin White (2015) as recent 1st round draft picks hailing from West Virginia. – Source
STRENGTHS
Team captain and impactful Leader. Plays with passion and a deep love of the game. Play-making safety with man cover ability and plus ball skills. Took reps heads up against Sterling Shepard. Quick to get head around and find the ball and always opts to try and take the ball away rather than break up the pass. Leaper who challenges the high-point. Finished with nine career interceptions and five this season in just four games. Plays run and pass with great urgency. True high/low option with toughness for the box and straight line speed to play rangy center field. Can pedal and shift from deep zone. Wolf looking for his next meal as a hitter.
WEAKNESSES
ACL creates medical concerns and may prevent him from getting through an entire pre-draft workout. Doesn’t have desired thickness of frame for the ruckus he likes to bring as a hitter. Play-making aspirations can lead him to vacate his area a step early. Shows some change of direction limitations in coverage. Desire to assail leads to occasional technique breakdowns as a tackler.
