Draft Profile - William Joseph

[crizpynutz]

William Joseph
DT, Miami
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 308 lbs
40-yard: 4.95

Vs. the run: Is tall, and has long arms and room to add bulk. Has good size and athleticism. Is disruptive against the run. Is a one-gap penetrator with great initial quickness. Locates the ball, and chases it down. Shows good pursuit skills, and is a powerful tackler with good pop. Lacks ideal lower-body strength, and has thin legs. Also must improve his technique and get more consistent leverage. Plays too high when tired. Grade: 8.2.

Pass rush: Does a great job of penetrating his gap and locating the quarterback. Has burst through the hole, and uses long, strong arms to shed blockers. Has proven closing quickness. Is able to stop and start quickly to chase the quarterback. Has adequate power moves. Can collapse the pocket with bull rush. Grade: 8.6.

Initial quickness: Shows great anticipation and initial burst. Can explode out of stance with great power, quickness and leverage. Initial quickness and leverage become average when tired. Grade: 8.6.

Run/pass recognition: Shows excellent awareness and change-of-direction skills. Excels at finding the ball and pursuing. Grade: 8.7.

Pursuit/tackling: Finds the ball quickly, and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. Has stayed healthy, and shows good stamina. Has great speed, and is a fluid athlete. Is a powerful tackler with adequate open-field skills. Grade: 8.6.

Bottom line: Joseph has rare size and athleticism and is a similar player to former Miami (Fla.) standout Warren Sapp. Joseph lacks ideal lower-body strength and can get held up when blockers get into his body, but he typically beats blockers with initial quickness. Joseph definitely is the No. 2 defensive tackle in this class. He must play with more consistency and add some bulk to his lower body, but Joseph has a chance to be a difference maker right away.