4 things to know about new Chargers DT Linval Joseph

Get familiar with the Chargers new nose tackle.

The Chargers beefed up their defensive line with the addition of former Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph.

In order to get familiar with him, here are four things to know:

Early playing days

Joseph attended East Carolina University for three years, earning first-team All-Conference USA in his junior season in 2009. In his collegiate career, he posted 143 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Joseph skipped his senior season to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Giants in the second-round (No. 46 overall). Joseph won a Super Bowl with New York in 2012 and inked a five-year deal with the Vikings two years later. On his rookie contract, Joseph started 46 of 53 games, recorded 100+ tackles, 18 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Big man touchdown

Speed kills. But it’s even more deadly when it’s someone that weighs over 320 pounds. Joseph displayed that in 2018 in a game played against the Eagles where he scored his first defensive touchdown with a 64-yard fumble return. For reference, Joseph ran a 5.04 40-yard dash at 328 pounds out of college.

Where he thrives

Outside of his athletic ability like mentioned above, Joseph is a powerful take-on player with the backfield vision and handwork to make an impact vs. the run. Joseph plays physical, using his upper body and core strength to handle double-teams. His Pro Football Focus grade reflected that, earning a grade of 71.2 in 2019, marking the eighth straight season he’s received a grade above 70. In 2015 and 2017, he earned overall grades of 91.0 and 90.0, respectively.

How he fits with Chargers

The release of Brandon Mebane as well as Damion Square and Sylvester Williams hitting free agency meant that Los Angeles was in need of a nose tackle. Joseph projects as the Day 1 starter in the middle of the defensive line. However, it’s unlikely that he will play all three downs, given the fact that he played only 553 snaps last season which was just over 50%. Expect him to be on the playing field on rushing situations, while Justin Jones and Jerry Tillery rotate in on obvious passing situations. The 31-year old also provides the team with an impressive character in and away from the football field.