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Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders first round picks since 2010

By Khaled Abdallah

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Karl Joseph (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) /

Ranking the Las Vegas Raiders first-round picks since 2010

5. Karl Joseph: 2016 – 14th overall, West Virginia

The Raiders used the 14th overall section on safety Karl Joseph out of West Virginia to bolster their defense after a 7-9 season where they showed promise on both sides of the ball. Joseph excelled at West Virginia as a free safety but was moved to strong safety with the Raiders to accommodate the arrival of Pro Bowler Reggie Nelson.

Joseph was a plus contributor right away as he made himself known for big hits in the open field but he struggled to match up with big tight ends in coverage. He still made the occasional play and recorded 9 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 3 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries in 41 games with the Raiders.

A broken foot cut short his 2019 season where he was rounding in to form and he chose to sign with the Cleveland Browns for the 2020 season. After a year away where he helped the Browns make the playoffs, Joseph has returned to the Raiders and will hopefully be deployed at free safety where he excelled in the past.

The Raiders signed Joseph to just a one-year deal but he has expressed his love for the organization and if he plays his way into a longer contract, he will be one of the longer-tenured first-round picks for the team in recent history.

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