Prospect for Jags fans to know: Northwestern S Brandon Joseph

With the way the Jags use a variety of defensive backs in their scheme, more help could be needed for the secondary. That’s exactly why Northwestern’s Brandon Joseph is a player to be mindful of.

In the 2020 offseason, Urban Meyer and Trent Baalke invested a surfeit of capital into the Jacksonville Jaguars’ secondary in hopes to recapture its former glory. The team signed Shaquill Griffin, Rudy Ford, and Rayshawn Jenkins. The front office then double-dipped in the draft with the selections of Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco.

Through the preseason and Week 1, I believe the Jags scouts should not shy away from acquiring more talent for the back end of the defense. Whether at cornerback or safety, it is no doubt a very strong, stand-out position group of the 2021 class.

At cornerback, names like Louisiana State’s Derek Stingley Jr. and Florida’s Kaair Elam stand out. At safety, Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton and Arkansas’ Jalen Catalon have gotten off to fantastic starts this season. However, one more name should be thrown into the mix at safety — and it’s Northwestern’s Brandon Joseph.

Joseph caught my eye last year while studying standout cornerback Greg Newsome II. After watching him this summer, it seems as though my initial excitement was warranted.

Joseph (6-foot-1, 192 pounds) brings the size, athleticism, and ball skills to the table that make scouts drool. In just eight games last season, Joseph totaled 46 total tackles, while nabbing a whopping six interceptions.

Holy Ball Production!

One of those six was stolen from none other than former Ohio State Buckeye and Chicago Bear, Justin Fields. It happened to be one of the prettiest grabs I have seen from a defensive back and Joseph displayed mitts like Peter Parker.

For being just a redshirt sophomore, Joseph plays with tremendous physicality and has already shown impressive processing skills for such a young player. With fluid hips and press-man skills, Joseph could be a player that sneaks into the bottom of the first round if he continues his level of play from season’s past.

In the second clip above, you can see Joseph fly from his spot to shut down a quick pass to the flats. While his speed is undoubtedly present, it’s his processing skills that are most impressive.

While many are hopeful for the young Jaguars secondary to turn it around and improve, it would be wise for the team to look to bolster these positions. With Jaguars DC Joe Cullen’s love for nickel and dime packages, having as many solid defensive backs as possible would behoove the team’s outlook and future.