Chicago Bears 2018 NFL Draft targets to watch: Clemson vs. Louisville
Kendall Joseph (Linebacker), Clemson
Clemson’s most-improved player on defense last year, Kendall Joseph comes into 2017 as one of the Tigers’ top returning players. A rising star at the linebacker position, Kendall Joseph‘s stock expects to continue to soar this season.
Josephs role is as important as ever on Saturday. As Lamar Jackson will look to make an impact on the ground and through the air, Joseph will need to be effective in the run-stop, blitz, and pass protection in order to slow down Jackson. Lamar Jackson is the top player in the game, but if he can be forced into struggles, then Clemson will certainly win.
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Kendall Joseph’s draft stock is for the most part unknown. If he can have another big year in a bigger role, Joseph could transform into one of the top linebackers in the draft. If Joseph struggles to make an impact, you very well might not hear of him in the first two days. Joseph is an x-factor for both the Tigers and his draft stock and is entering a make or break season.
With Jerrell Freeman placed on the injured-reserve yesterday, the Bears could look to add a consistent playmaker to their linebacker core if the group struggles in Freeman’s absence. Since the secondary is likely the top priority, Joseph could be an option in the second round.
The Bears are likely to stockpile defensive talent in next year’s draft, and Joseph could be a piece for the Bears to consider come next spring. Joseph has yet to prove that he can be a star on defense but has thrived in supporting roles and could be a consistent, quality piece for the Bears defense of the future.