Raiders relying on young safeties to resurrect 24th-ranked pass defense
Karl Joseph is feeling a lot more like himself these days and it shows. The Raiders first-round pick a year ago, Joseph has been one of the most visible players in training camp while roaming around the back end of Oakland’s secondary with an eye on proving his worth after a rookie season in which he dealt with injuries, frustration and disappointment.
“It feels like I’m a new person,” Joseph told Silver and Black Illustrated. “Last year I didn’t necessarily feel like myself but I’m getting back to it. Now everything feels more smooth. A lot less thinking.”
It’s exactly where Obi Melifonwu wants to be even though the team’s second-round pick this year is just beginning to dip his toes into the NFL waters.
Joseph and Melifonwu are the future for the Raiders, a pair of young safeties who could anchor the team’s secondary for years to come if they develop like the front office expects. For now, though, the duo is simply trying to find a comfort zone in training camp in anticipation of being a big part of Oakland’s defense this season.
This story is from the August 28, 2017 edition of Silver & Black Illustrated.
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This story is from the August 28, 2017 edition of Silver & Black Illustrated.
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