UDFA signing: Michael Joseph
Chicago Bears sign Undrafted Free Agent Michael Joseph, a cornerback from Dubuque
It would not be a Ryan Pace draftwithout a defensive lineman from Delaware just like it would not be a Ryan Pace draft without a defensive back from Dubuque. Yes, Dubuque. However small, it was announced that the Chicago Bears signed the ball hawk cornerback, Michael Joseph.
https://twitter.com/DubuqueFootball/status/990370483853053953
Here is the Michael Joseph highlight tape
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The thing that you need to see on tape from a player from such a small school is someone who flashes and does not need to be pointed out. Without paying attention to Joseph, you can tell he is the only NFL draft prospect on the field.
Still, what really hurt his stock was that he did not stand out athletically in terms of numbers. His mockdraftable web was closer to a small school flame out than a diamond in the rough. This is why he went undrafted.
As NFL.com mentions in his draft profile, it may take time for him to get on the field.
"It’s easy to love Joseph’s combination of size, speed and interceptions, but his transition from Division III to the NFL will likely have its fair share of bumps along the way. Joseph has been able to overwhelm the competition across from him with his length and athletic ability, but he’s light by NFL standards and his man cover skills will need work before he’s ready to handle NFL talent. Joseph has talent to work with, but he may have to learn from the sideline or even the practice squad early on."
Like they said in the profile, practice squad. It may take time, and there may be nothing there, but props for doing their due diligence. It would be negligent to let a player with his success walk unnoticed, regardless of how small or unathletic he came out to be. He had success, there is a reason why, let’s find it.
UDFA signings: