Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Karl Joseph (West Virginia) - 2016 NFL Draft Pick #14 by OAK

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Karl Joseph (2016 NFL Draft)

College: West Virginia

Position: Safety

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 205 lbs

Overview

Karl Joseph was a standout safety at West Virginia, known for his aggressive playing style and strong instincts on the field. His ability to read plays and make crucial tackles earned him recognition as one of the top safety prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Strengths

• Physicality: Joseph is a hard-hitting safety who is not afraid to come down in the box and make tackles against the run.
• Instincts: He possesses excellent instincts that allow him to diagnose plays quickly and react accordingly.
• Coverage Skills: Joseph has shown the ability to cover tight ends and slot receivers effectively, showcasing good ball skills and awareness in pass defense.
• Leadership: His experience as a team captain at West Virginia demonstrated his leadership qualities on and off the field.

Weaknesses

• Injury History: Joseph suffered a significant knee injury in 2015 that raised concerns about his durability and recovery.
• Height: At 5'10", he may be undersized compared to other safeties, which could be a disadvantage in certain matchups.
• Inconsistent Tackling Technique: While he is a physical player, his tackling technique can be inconsistent at times, leading to missed tackles.

Overall Assessment

Karl Joseph was regarded as a first-round talent due to his playmaking ability and strong character. Despite concerns regarding his injury history, scouts valued his potential to contribute immediately to an NFL defense. His combination of physicality, instincts, and coverage skills made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary in the 2016 NFL Draft.