Karl Joseph

Joseph has yet to break out, but now more than two years removed from an ACL tear and approaching the 1,500-snap mark in the NFL, he's set to take a big step forward in 2018. His per-snap production last year was fine, disappointing as his 79 tackles might have been, given that he was limited to 867 snaps. He should push for 1,000 this year, and as a result he might finally reward Oakland for selecting him in the first round of the 2016 draft.

The 14th overall pick last year out of West Virginia, Joseph was a prized prospect despite recovering from a torn ACL at the time. That injury from his 2015 college season delayed his NFL arrival a bit, but by the third week of the year he seized a starting role. A toe injury ended his season four weeks early, but his total of 60 tackles while playing 593 defensive snaps is quite promising. A prospect feared both as a hitter and in coverage, Joseph showed major ball-hawking upside with five interceptions in his final four collegiate games.

Joseph is a rookie returning from an October ACL tear, but he's expected to be ready for training camp. Considering Oakland selected him with the 14th overall pick, Joseph should have a three-down role awaiting him. He was ferocious at West Virginia, totaling 274 tackles and nine interceptions in 41 career games, and he'll be in position to make a lot of plays in an Oakland defense suddenly overflowing with disruptive talent. With Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin chasing quarterbacks and safety Reggie Nelson playing centerfield, Joseph should be free to roam.