Oakland Raiders: Five Post-Combine Prospects to Watch

Karl Joseph

Given that West Virginia’s Karl Joseph didn’t participate in the 2016 NFL combine due to injury, he is another player that could slip down draft boards, and as a result, Oakland could benefit from adding a top-tier talent at the safety position in the third round.

Joseph was having career-year before he suffered a season-ending knee injury just four games into the 2015 season, but if checks out medically he is one of the top defensive backs in this class. Though he stands at just 5’10”, 205 pounds, Joseph prides himself on throwing his body around and delivering devastating hits both in coverage and in run support. He does have some desirable qualities in coverage, as he has proven ball skills and instincts, but he sets himself apart due to his competitiveness and effort.

Again, Joseph’s season-ending knee injury presents itself as a red flag, but he also doesn’t have the ideal frame to remain physical in the run game and make big hits at the next level. Also, Joseph can get caught being a little too aggressive in coverage, but he wins and loses with that characteristic.

Given the fact that he is coming off an injury, Oakland could afford to take a third or fourth round flyer on him if they address the safety position in free agency with a guy like Eric Weddle or Tashaun Gipson. Joseph could then benefit from either limited playing time or being stowed away on the bench by turning his efforts to the weight room to add some meat to his frame. With a year dedicated to the weight room, Joseph could develop into solid, hard-hitting safety in this league.