2022 NFL Draft: Washington Commanders Team 7-round mock

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Washington Commanders mock draft, Kerby Joseph

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 6: Kerby Joseph #25 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after intercepting a pass by Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Fighting Illini defeated the Golden Gophers 14-6. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Round 3: Kerby Joseph

The idea that Washington might go for back-to-back safeties in the middle rounds only emphasizes what a problem area the pairing was for Rivera and his staff last year. Circling back to solve the team’s issues at free safety in Round 3 would be a wise move for the franchise.

Joseph isn’t the most polished safety prospect in this class, but he has the sort of plus physical tools that give him a chance to be an above-average starter in time. His length for the safety position is nothing short of exceptional. Joseph’s freakishly long arms allow him to cover up minor missteps in coverage.

The former Illinois star shouldn’t be trusted in single-high looks very often as a rookie because of his struggles processing information. That doesn’t mean he can’t eventually be handed that type of responsibility, it just means his scheme versatility will be limited as a rookie.

Joseph has star potential and that’s worth rolling the dice on in Round 3. Two safeties in the first three picks might cause some Washington fans to shake their heads, but it will do a lot to help Rivera sleep at night next season.

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