Kendall Joseph, Clemson: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: J.T. Barrett
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: J.T. Barrett

Clemson’s Kendall Joseph is an experienced and highly explosive linebacker prospect eligible for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Kendall Joseph is an exceptional athlete who features the closing burst needed to make plays all over the field. He uses his short-area speed to close on the football making tackles behind the line of scrimmage and on the sideline.

Joseph features a solid build with long arms that helps him gain inside hands and in the passing game.

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This is an active defender who isn’t afraid to attack the line of scrimmage. However, he must do a better job attacking with authority in order to keep blockers off his frame. Being more physical at the point of attack would also help Joseph disengage.

Joseph has some hesitation in his game which he is able to mask with his quickness. However, this won’t be the case in the NFL. He needs to do a better job trusting his reads and flowing to the football.

Being more decisive would also help Joseph finish on a more consistent basis. The little hesitation in his game creates situations where he is a second or two late.

Joseph’s athleticism and balance make him an asset in the passing game. He is able to keep pace with tight ends and running backs in man coverage. Joseph uses his awareness and short-area burst to click and close on the football.

Overall, this is a linebacker prospect who has the athleticism to be very effective at the next level. He just needs to be more consistent and show that he can be more physical at the point of attack.

It would also help if he lost the hesitation after he makes his read. Joseph has the potential to be the type of linebacker who routinely makes plays at or behind the line of scrimmage.