Here’s what fans can expect from UDFA CB Michael Joseph.
Ryan Pace has done his fair share of searching for guys at smaller schools. Adam Shaheen went to Ashland. Tarik Cohen went to North Carolina A&T. Joel Iyiegbuniwe went to Western Kentucky. Beyond those names, there are plenty of more examples of Chicago Bears’ under Pace that didn’t attend major universities.
Knowing that’s how Pace thinks, it’s no surprise that he searches for small school players and invites them to camp as UDFAs as well. One of those players this year is Dubuque’s Michael Joseph. Joseph is a cornerback with the right size and speed for the position and he’s shown the ability to nab an interception or two along the way.
Joseph is very raw, but several draft analysts see him as a prospect that is coachable and one that could develop into something with a patient team. What’s in store for his future in Chicago? We examine.
Best-Case Scenario
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Joseph proves that he can make the jump from small school competition to NFL competition pretty easily. That isn’t his issue, his issue is that he still lacks certain techniques needed to become a legitimate NFL defensive back. Joseph checks all the boxes for size and strength and Matt Nagy and Vic Fangio see something in the kid but can’t justify giving him a roster spot out of the gate.
Joseph is brought back on the practice squad and spends the first several weeks on the unit. After a few injuries, the Bears give Joseph a spot on the 53-man roster. He largely plays special teams but gets some opportunities on the defensive unit and looks decent. The Bears decide to give him an offer to return in 2019 and the team remains hopeful that he will continue to develop into a legitimate NFL cornerback.
Worst-Case Scenario
Joseph struggles with NFL competition in camp. When he gets opportunities late in preseason games, he still looks shaky. He has the size and strength but his lack of technique is really exposed. Joseph struggles in his preseason games giving up a couple long TDs. Despite having the size and athleticism that the Bears love, they can’t justify keeping him on the practice squad after such a shaky preseason. The Bears cut him and don’t bring him back to the team in any capacity.
Odds Are
Joseph has a decent camp. He improves his technique steadily throughout July and August and when preseason games arrive he has some solid moments including an interception (yes, against a fourth-string QB, but still). The Bears are pleased with his progress and, although they can’t justify keeping him on the 53-man roster, they keep him around on the practice squad.
Joseph keeps developing, but not to the point that he is ready for a call-up to the 53-man roster. The Bears keep him on the practice squad for the full year. Pace and friends bring him back in 2019 and hope that he’s ready to make the jump to steady NFL play and he has an opportunity to make the 53-man roster prior to the season.