The Oakland Raiders just got announced as this year's ‘Hard Knocks' team, which will certainly command the headlines. But the team also has a lot of interesting storylines that are flying more under the radar, including the development of Karl Joseph.
The Raiders drafted Joseph in the first round back in 2016, and things haven't always gone smoothly since. Joseph struggled at times during his first two years in the league, and then the regime that drafted him got swept out.
His coach Jack Del Rio and GM Reggie McKenzie both got fired and were replaced by Jon Gruden. Gruden had no ties to him and wasn't as high on him as the previous staff was. Joseph was benched, but ultimately regained his starting job and played well down the stretch last season.
“He's had all the rookies at his house. He's quietly become a leader here on this team,” per Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune.
The Raiders declined the fifth-year option on Joseph's rookie deal last month, which raised some eyebrows. Gruden had previously indicated the team would pick up the option, then reversed course.
Joseph will now be an unrestricted free agent after this season, so this year is huge for him. That doesn't mean he won't be back with the Raiders next year, and Gruden is clearly starting to appreciate him more.
The fact that he's taking on more of a leadership role is a good sign, and the West Virginia product is definitely talented. If he can keep his momentum from late last year going, he should have a good chance of earning a big payday next offseason.
Follow Us
Subscribe
