Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Rated as Mike Mayock’s number one safety in the 2016 NFL Draft, West Virginia’s Karl Joseph carries a lot of hype. He’s a hard-hitting player who is best fit to slide in at strong safety with his combination of speed, strength, and instincts.
Unfortunately, Joseph suffered a season ending ACL tear in October during non-contact practice drills. Dr. James Andrews completed the surgery and Joseph is expected to make a full recovery.
With the success of guys like Todd Gurley coming off of ACL injuries, Joseph’s situation is not as dire as it was once considered.
Here’s a look at what teams can expect from the All-American safety from West Virginia.
Measureables
Height: 5’11
Weight: 190 lbs
Strengths
A natural strong safety, Karl Joseph brings physicality and great instincts to the field. He’s got a nose for the football and is always a part of the play by taking decent angles and watching the quarterback’s eyes. As a strong safety, he is able to play against the run and make decent hits to bring down smaller receivers.
Joseph can also drop into man coverage and take away receivers. That versatility makes him even more special in a draft filled with defense.
Weaknesses
Joseph lays out too much in an attempt to make a highlight reel hit. He needs to stay on his feet and get his arms wrapped around players.
I like Karl Joseph, but he goes for the knock out hit too much. Still wrapped the leg well and blew up the play pic.twitter.com/wELTKFk7yj
— George Stockburger (@StockburgerNews) February 21, 2016
Health will also be a big question for Joseph. Looking at previous cases such as Todd Gurley, Karl Joseph’s ACL probably will not be ready to run the 40 or other Combine workouts. The bench press may be his only workout of the entire week if he is not fully ready to go. Some teams may never see him at full speed before drafting him, which may deter them from drafting him.
Final Thoughts
Prior to his injury, Karl Joseph was a lock to be selected on day two of the NFL Draft. With his injury mid-way though the season and most likely not being able to perform at the Combine, Joseph will most likely slip into day three. If he can recover from his injury, Karl Joseph can undoubtedly be a starting strong safety in the NFL. If he can stay on his feet and not make overly-aggressive hits that will draw flags, he will have a long NFL career.