Raiders 2019 Draft Prospect: LB Vosean Joseph

2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Vosean Joseph

Position: LB

School: The University of Florida

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 230 pounds

Round Projection: 2-3

Stats

Speed

While Joseph will run well at the combine, that should not matter since he plays even faster. From the snap, Joseph screams towards the ball. With nothing but explosion, he gets to the target rapidly. In addition, when blitzing he can breakdown, in order to not overrun the quarterback. Meanwhile, Joseph displays the ability to chase down plays from the backside. Range will not be his issue at the next level, as the ability to close on the play stands out.

Run Stuffing

Despite his 230-pound frame, Joseph correctly diagnoses, and heads right for the ball. While he may need to bulk up a bit to shed lineman blocks, he does enough to win with speed. On perimeter plays, he will beat the block to the edge and corral the runner. In contrast, he knifes through interior handoffs

Coverage

With each snap, Joseph’s ability to cover will improve. Granted, he gets by on athleticism now. Yet, over the long haul, his timing and knack for the big play will translate.

Tackling

If you judge the 230 pounds as a measuring stick, you would be wrong. Joseph brings ferocity to each hit. An impact tackler, he gets his money’s worth with every collision. Like a safety, he lines up, and then obliterates the ballcarrier. However, he does show the required technique to wrap up. Blessed with a quick wrap-to-drive, he makes short work of the rusher, leaving no room for the broken tackle or downfield dragging.

Intangibles

Now, if you look past the athletic gifts and examine the heart, Joseph plays the game with unbridled aggression. Whatever he sees, he hits, with no regard for down or distance. He plays the game with a passion, hitting with an intended malice. Few players in this draft show the emotion that Joseph brings to the table every day.

Raiders Fit

If you are honest, the only linebacker on the Oakland roster that earned another look in 2019 remains Nicholas Morrow. On the other hand, the group consists on adequate, if unspectacular playmakers. With Joseph, the Raiders could unleash a three-down linebacker that could function in several capacities. Against the Chargers, he could ensure less than productive days from Melvin Gordon. On the other hand, Joseph could make life for Patrick Mahomes difficult via the blitz. The Raiders could begin the monster rebuild with young talent.