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NFL Trade Deadline 2018: 3 Deals the Green Bay Packers should make

By Joe Kipp

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a sack during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 13, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a sack during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 13, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 25: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to get past Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders after making a catch during the fourth quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 19-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 25: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to get past Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders after making a catch during the fourth quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Raiders 19-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Karl Joseph, Oakland Raiders

Karl Joseph is a former first-round pick in 2016 who hasn’t lived up to his draft stock. Joseph is a smaller safety who packs a punch. He plays far above his size (5-10, 205 pounds) which has led to some injury concerns throughout his career. Still, his physicality and instinct provide excellent upside for any team looking to acquire him.

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The Packers currently have Kentrell Brice starting at strong safety, so Joseph would be a sure-fire upgrade who could slide in right away. All season, Brice has struggled in coverage and has whiffed on plenty of assignments. In addition to his tackling ability, Joseph is more than capable of dropping down in the slot and covering big-bodied receivers.

Another thing Joseph brings to the table is his leadership ability. It’s clear the Packers are lacking a definitive leader on defense, although Jaire Alexander has risen to the occasion several times with his perceived swagger and confidence. Joseph was a team captain at West Virginia, and he says he models his game after Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins — one of the greatest team leaders of all-time.

The Raiders haven’t shied away from dealing away players, and there have been several rumors that Joseph is available, so this is a trade that could be feasible. Joseph might be available for a 2019 fourth- or fifth-round pick, a price that would be well-worth the investment.

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