Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 trade targets after the 2019 NFL Draft

S Karl Joseph

For whatever the reason, Oakland Raiders head coach does not like Karl Joseph. Now it has been reported this week the Raiders are still not sold on picking up Joseph’s fifth-year option a week after selecting another strong safety in the first round in Johnathan Abram. Even with adding a safety, Mike Edwards, in the third round of this year’s draft, the Buccaneers should get on the phone and get Bowles a pure box safety to help stuff the run.

Joseph has tallied an interception in each of his first three years in the league, and will only be 26 years of age once the 2019 season rolls around. While 2018 was Joseph’s worst season with just 34 solo tackles, he was coming off of a year with 57 solo tackles. He has recorded five tackles for loss and three sacks from his strong safety position in his career.

Tampa Bay signed Kentrell Brice this offseason, who is not a sure-fire lock to make the final 53 man roster, and drafted Edwards to add to a room with Jordan Whitehead and Justin Evans. However, the coaching staff has been anxious to see what Edwards can do in the nickel, while Whitehead can be improved upon.

Adding Joseph to pair with Evans in the back of their defense, the Buccaneers can complete the entirety of their de-construction and rebuilding of their secondary. Entering only his fourth season, Joseph has a massive chip on his shoulder after being cast aside in Oakland and would make a great fit in Bowles’ defense.