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Oakland Raiders: Ranking the top ten safeties in the 2016 NFL Draft

By Austin Gayle

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson is tackled by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson is tackled by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph (8) is honored on senior day before their game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers safety Karl Joseph (8) is honored on senior day before their game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Karl Joseph, West Virginia

Former West Virginia safety Karl Joseph has the potential to be one of the top safeties in this year’s class. Along with his aggressive, hard-hitting mentality in the run game, Joseph possesses great ball skills in coverage. Joseph is a big play waiting to happen.

After suffering from a non-contact ACL injury in 2015, injury concerns have had a significantly negative impact on Joseph’s draft stock. At 5’10”, 205 pounds, Joseph doesn’t have the frame necessary for him to continue as a reckless run defender, for he will struggle to stay on the field if he continues to throw his body into danger like he did at West Virginia.

If Joseph checks out medically, Oakland would land a steal in the second round of the draft, but he still is a high-risk selection due to the fact that his current play style could keep him from suiting up every Sunday.

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