Linval Joseph

DT, DE · East Carolina
Joseph's name was not expected to be on the league's final list of 53 underclassmen declaring for the draft, but NFL teams are likely to be happy it was. The former Florida state weightlifting champion and all-state football star decided to leave the Pirates, at least partially due to head coach Skip Holtz leaving ECU for Tampa to take over at South Florida. The first-team All-Conference USA performer (60 tackles, 22 solo, 13 for loss, three sacks) combines strength and an ability to pressure the quarterback very rarely found in someone his size. He was an immediate contributor for ECU, making 40 tackles, 8.5 for loss, with four starts in 13 games as a freshman. Joseph then earned honorable mention all-conference honors with 43 tackles, eight for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Joseph's potential is intriguing, but there are questions about his functional strength and stamina, which could limit his value to some teams. Others might end up drafting him higher than his ability warrants because of a pressing need at the position.