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NFL: BEARS: Joseph hopes to benefit after tackling new challenge

/noticias.info/ By Larry Mayer
April 18, 2006

The following is the 10th in a series of features on the top college players who could be available when the Bears pick at No. 26 in the first round of the April 29-30 NFL Draft:

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Though he projects as a guard in the NFL, Davin Joseph didn't balk when Oklahoma coaches moved him to left tackle last season.

"I benefited a lot from playing tackle as far as my technique and playing with better discipline," said Joseph, who started all 12 games at his new position. "I'm going to benefit in the long run by playing tackle for a whole season. Hopefully, it'll make me a better guard."

Davin Joseph blocks Texas defensive back Cedric Griffin in a 2004 game in Oklahoma.
Last season's position switch wasn't nearly as radical as the one Joseph experienced as a freshman. After registering 24 sacks as a high school senior and being recruited to Oklahoma as a defensive tackle, the 6-3, 311-pounder was moved to offensive guard.

"It wasn't very long before I figured it out," Joseph said. "I went to them about switching because I felt like I wasn't getting any better in the tackle spot and I wanted to play.

"So I went over to the offensive line and gave it a shot. (Offensive line) coach (Kevin) Wilson worked me hard, so I was able to get in the grove pretty quick and get the playing time also. I had to really prove to the guys next to me that I was worthy of playing."

Joseph accomplished that objective, developing into Oklahoma's most dominant offensive lineman. After playing in all 12 games as a freshman and starting 12 of 14 games played as a sophomore, he started all 13 games as a junior and was named second-team All-Big 12.

Well-built and powerful, Joseph possesses the ideal bulk, leverage, quickness and body control to play guard in the NFL. He also shows good initial quickness and is athletic enough to pull and trap. He's also a hard worker and team leader who plays to the whistle.

In terms of negatives, Joseph does not have a powerful punch in pass protection, has a tendency to block upright and not sink his hips and needs to improve his footwork.

As Joseph prepares to move on to the next level, he is confident that his experience in an elite program at Oklahoma will aid his transition into the NFL.

"It brings me the competitive edge as far as knowing how to win and what it takes to win," he said. "The team I played with was very special and I was blessed to be able to play with those guys. I'll bring to the table a guy who has a winning attitude and will work hard to earn the respect of his teammates."

In addition to playing defense in high school, Joseph was also the heavyweight wrestling champion in the state of Florida.

"My wrestling background helps too, learning how to compete with some nastiness and being intense on a play-by-play basis," he said. "I think that being able to compete at a high level in wrestling and football helped me a ton."

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Joseph as the third best guard in the draft behind Georgia's Max Jean-Gilles and USC's Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui and predicts that the Detroit Lions will select the former Oklahoma standout with the eighth pick in the second round (40th overall).

According to Pro Football Weekly's 2006 Draft Preview, Joseph is a "big, dependable, square-cut blocker who some teams like in the first round and has a good chance to be the first guard drafted." notas_de_prensa_archivo