The Joker is Coming to the NFL

The "Joker" is coming to the NFL in more ways than one in 2021. Tom Herman described the "Joker" position in his defense as a player That can play on the line of the scrimmage, or play in the middle of the field as a safety. This is a hybrid position we have seen start making it's way into the NFL with more teams using hybrid players that are either linebackers that are used in roles similar to safeties, safeties that have the ability to cover tight ends and linebackers as well as help in the run game. 

We have seen a higher influx of high end athletes that are asked to serve in this role. Players like John Lynch, Kam Chancellor, Sua Cravens, Bryan Scott blurred the lines between linebacker and safety years ago but there has been an increase in players like this drafted higher and higher in the draft. Jerome Baker, Isaiah Simmons, Jeremy Chinn, Terrell Edmunds, Antoine Brooks Jr., Deonne Buchanan, Mark Barron, and Telvin Smith are guys who have continued this trend but this season we may see our second year straight with a player like this drafted in the first round. You could make the arguement that both Devin White, and Devin Bush are capable of playing the same role but were drafted as true linebackers. 

That guy? Is JOK...or Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The 6'1 215 pound linebacker, is regarded as solid at the point of attack although he is not the most sure tackler. He was a 2 sport athlete in high school that played running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety. Showing he has the athletic ability to play in a role that is asked to cover the exact positions he used to play on offense. If you watch him play he looks like a safety but plays like another linebacker standing up fairly well against the run, and often living in the opposing team's backfield when he wasn't asked to drop in coverage. J.O.K. was asked to play often as a nickel defender covering the slot receiver, whether that was a running back, tight end, or receiver. This guy was able to put up insane measurements, with a 39 inch vertical, 10.3 broad jump, and ran at least 20 mph. All impressive numbers for a guy who will likely be tasked with playing in the box as a linebacker first and foremost, although he will likely have some responsibilities similar to that of a safety. I would be surprised to see him covering many full time outside wide receivers but nothing would shock me from this guy, especially in the right defense. 

Depending on the team his role will differ slightly. I could see Philadelphia, New Orleans, Minnesota, Denver, or Pittsburgh drafting him. These teams have shown a willingness to employ multiple safeties that rotate based on defensive packages. In Pittsburgh they actually have two players on the roster playing similar roles, however they may look at him and see a player who can bulk up slightly and be the next Ryan Shazier, lightning quick inside linebacker that runs and covers like a safety.