2022 NFL Draft: 5 Big Ten players to keep an eye on in 2021
By Kyle Edmond
2022 NFL Draft Prospect: Brandon Joseph, DB, Northwestern
Despite having just 10 games of collegiate experience heading into the 2021 season, Northwestern defensive back Brandon Joseph is already turning heads. Listed at 6-foot-1, 192 pounds, Joseph has the frame to be an NFL defensive back. If he can repeat his 2020 success, he’ll have the stats to back it up too.
During his first season in 2019, Joseph played in just two games and recorded four tackles, and kept his redshirt status, but as a redshirt freshman in 2020 Joseph shined. In just eight games, Joseph was able to tally 46 tackles, two passes defended, and an impressive six interceptions.
The strong season for Joseph led to a slew of awards, including being a unanimous AFCA All-America First Team selection in addition to Associated Press First Team, Sporting News First Team, All-Big Ten First Team, and being named the AP Big Ten Newcomer of the Year. All while lining up opposite 2021 NFL Draft first-round selection Greg Newsome.
Quite the list of accolades for someone with just 10 games of NCAA football under their belt. But that will be the concern for Joseph this season. Consistency. He’s proven what he can do, but can he do it year-in and year-out. If he repeats with a similar season in 2021, he should be a shoo-in for a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.