7 safeties the Minnesota Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Kerby Joseph (Illinois)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 199 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 57 tackles
• 5 interceptions
• 2 passes defended
• 1 tackle for loss

Kerby Joseph broke out at just the right time for Illinois in 2021. His was nothing short of outstanding throughout the campaign and this should come with a Day 2 selection during the upcoming draft as a result.

Joseph is a tremendous athlete that brought his game on leaps and bounds in his final college campaign. The safety is an absolute ballhawk on the backend that takes advantage of almost every mistake made by an opposing quarterback if the football is in his vicinity.

Another area where Joseph stands out is in coverage. He can hold his own in specific zone situations and has enough in the way of athleticism to step into the slot cornerback role should the opportunity arise.

Such is Joseph’s skillset in coverage, he might even be able to move into a permanent cornerback role if whatever team he lands on calls for it. Something that cannot be said of most safeties entering the league this year.

Although Joseph is a serviceable tackler, adding more bulk in the pros would be beneficial. His athletic attributes are good, but his speed wouldn’t be classed as elite by any stretch.

With that being said, there is far more good than bad where Joseph is concerned. A player that should be on the Minnesota Vikings’ shortlist, without question.