With the 21st pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select: Karl Joseph of West Virginia University.
It’s looking more and more likely that we will hear those words, spoken by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Joseph has always been a sure-fire first round selection, despite the fact that he was sidelined for most of his senior season.
Joseph is still seeing lingering effects from his knee injury, but that’s not stopping NFL teams from giving him a shot to make a lot of money and play football at the next level.
It is his track record and reputation of being a lockdown defensive back that keeps his name in the conversation.
According to a ESPN special on Thursday night, Joseph is likely headed to the Washington Redskins, late in the first round.
ESPN's #MelToddMock picked WV safety Karl Joseph to the #Redskins with the 21st pick. He's being linked to WSH more and more all the time.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) April 22, 2016
Obviously this is not set in stone. According to the primetime program, Jared Goff will be the top pick going to the new Los Angeles Rams.
At 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, Joseph has a professional-type body. He is lean enough to showcase his speed, but strong enough to lay the hammer down on a ball carrier.
It’s this unique blend of athleticism that has made Joseph a hot commodity in recent years. Plus, his statistics speak for themselves.
Prior to his injury, Joseph had 20 tackles in four games with one sack and five interceptions. In his 42 career career starts, he recorded 284 tackles, forced eight fumbles, had 16.5 tackles for a loss and intercepted a total of nine passes.
While the numbers are impressive, it’s Joseph’s intangibles that make him such a great player.
In my 21 years of football - #8 has been the best leader and player that I've ever had the privilege of coaching.
— Tony Gibson (@CoachTonyGibson) October 7, 2015
When Joseph was announced on Senior Day at Milan Puskar Stadium before the game against Iowa State, he was overcome with emotion. He showed his gratitude to head coach Dana Holgorsen, the coaching staff, his teammates and the adoring fans.
Related Story: Revieweing WVU Pro Day
Joseph will certainly be missed by Mountaineer Nation, but whichever team selects him, the Redskins or otherwise, should be proud of the quality person and player it is acquiring.