Overview Three-year starter with an excellent motor to go along with above average toughness. Joseph's athletic ability and quickness serve him well as a run defender, but he is unlikely to be much of a factor as a pass rusher on the next level. Joseph will need to add mass, but he's got a shot to fit into a rotation as either a three-technique or shade nose in a 4-3 defense.
Strengths
- Plays with very good quickness off the snap.
- Impressive 4.97 forty at his pro day with a 10-yard split to match.
- Quick hands, strong hands.
- Flashes two-gap sensibilities with ability to punch, spy, and disengage.
- Plus agility to scrape along the line to mirror the runner.
- Explosive lateral burst to snare running backs from the backside.
- Never stagnant with relentless motor.
- Good feel for blocking schemes and attacks his attacker.
- Makes impact tackles near the line of scrimmage
Weaknesses
- Lacks pass rush production relative to his athletic ability.
- Was often subbed out on obvious passing downs.
- Has played nose at Rutgers and could face move to three-technique in pros.
- Could use more mass and anchor at the point of attack.
- Can be stalemated when facing quality strength across from him.
- Was unable to impose his will against Michigan State's Brian Allen.
- Needs twists and games to help him get off the mark as a rusher
Lance Zierlein (NFL.COM)