Karl Joseph NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Raiders Rookie

POSITIVES

Karl Joseph introduced himself to draft fans with a three-interception performance in Week 1 against Georgia Southern. But an ACL injury suffered in early October ended Joseph’s season and limited his ability to work out before the draft.

A ball hawk on the field, Joseph had five interceptions in four games before the injury and was showing the open-field tackling ability of a top-20 pick. A smart player with excellent leadership skills, Joseph can cover slot receivers in man coverage and has the range to excel over the top in single-high looks. He reads and reacts with excellent timing and beats receivers to the ball with great angles.

Joseph is capable of locking up in man-to-man and has zone range, but he’s also productive at jumping down into the box and playing against the run. A true three-down threat, he has the skills to impact the defense at each level of the field.

A tough, physical player in everything he does, Joseph has silky-smooth cover skills but also brings the wood as a hitter.

NEGATIVES

The late ACL injury has kept Joseph from working out for teams, and his ability to play in 2016 will be a matter of opinion among NFL doctors, but everything we’ve heard points to his being ready for Week 1.

Joseph doesn’t have a great frame in terms of height and length, and his reckless style of play may concern teams when it comes to his durability. He was a projected 4.6-speed guy before injury, and teams question his ability to track the ball deep against NFL speed.

A gambler in space, Joseph can be undisciplined at playing the man and instead goes for the ball. He didn’t do this as often before 2014, though, which could be a product of a role change.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 205 lbs.

40 Time: INJURY (did not participate)

3-Cone: INJURY (did not participate)

Short Shuttle: INJURY (did not participate)

PRO COMPARISON: Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts (retired)
FINAL GRADE: 6.95/9.00 (Round 2—Future Starter)