Key Stats: Joseph had five interceptions in four games before his senior season ended prematurely because of a torn ACL sustained in practice. In his final game against Oklahoma before the injury, Joseph had five tackles, a sack, an interception and another pass defensed. He also had a three-interception game earlier in the season against Georgia Southern.
During his career as a Mountaineer, Joseph recorded 208 solo tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, nine interceptions and eight forced fumbles. He was a first-team All-Big 12 player in 2014 and a second-team All-American in 2015, despite only playing in four games.
Rookie Impact: With the retirement of Charles Woodson, the hard-hitting Joseph will be given every opportunity to earn playing time at safety once he is healthy. The former Mountaineer star told reporters after his selection by the Raiders that he expects to be ready for training camp.
Did You Know?: Joseph was a first team All-Big 12 pick by the coaches after recording 92 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception while starting all 13 games in 2014. He started all 13 games as a true freshman in 2012 and was named WVU's defensive player of the year while leading the team with 104 tackles. As a sophomore, he earned honorable mention all-conference honors in 2013, registering 68 tackles.
Joseph is the third West Virginia player to be selected by the Raiders, joining Major Harris and Jerry Porter.
Key Stats: Ward had a strong junior season in 2014 with 51 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and four fumble recoveries. The following season, his productivity dropped off because of a foot injury as he contributed 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Each season he was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection.
Rookie Impact: His versatility to play both end positions and slide inside to tackle enhances Ward's value as a defensive lineman. The Raiders need to develop depth at defensive end with the uncertain status of Mario Edwards Jr. and Aldon Smith.
Did You Know?: Ward went from receiver/safety to the defensive line during his time with the Globe Institute of Technology Knights football team, a junior college program located in New York.
Key Stats: Calhoun, a three-time All-American, had 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in help leading the Spartans to the Big 10 Conference title and a date against eventual champion Alabama in a national semifinal game. He recorded 128 quarterback pressures and 26.5 sacks over his last three seasons with the Spartans.
Rookie Impact: Calhoun is an athletic, physical pass rusher who will compete for a spot in Oakland's defensive end rotation.
Did You Know?: As a redshirt sophomore, Calhoun was named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year after recording 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries and an interception.
Key Stats: As a senior, Cook led the Spartans to a spot in the College Football Playoff by throwing for 3,131 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. The Ohio native was a four-year starter who won the MVP award in both the 2013 and 2015 Big Ten title games.
Rookie Impact: Cook is an ideal backup for Derek Carr with the potential to develop into a starting-caliber signal caller.
Did You Know?: In 2015, Cook won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Big Ten Quarterback of the Year Award.
Key Stats: Washington rushed for 1,492 yards and 14 touchdowns during his senior season with the Red Raiders. The Houston native finished his Texas Tech career with 3,411 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. His 124 catches for 1,091 yards and four scores demonstrate his ability as a third-down back.
Rookie Impact: Despite being undersized, Washington has the skill set to be a situational running back behind starter Latavius Murray. Washington also has the speed and quickness to be a contributor on special teams. He ran a 4.49 40-yad dash at the NFL Combine.
Did You Know?: Washington is the first Texas Tech running back to have consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since former Doak Walker Award winner Byron Hanspard in 1995 and 1996. Washington ran for 1,103 yards in 2014 and 1,492 in 2015.
Key Stats: James had 10 tackles for loss and two sacks as a senior with the Rams. He finished his Colorado State career with 41 tackles for loss and 25 sacks.
Rookie Impact: James is undersized but has the physical tools to earn a roster spot as a special teams contributor.
Did You Know?: James is mentored by current Steelers linebackers coach Joey Porter.
Key Stats: Alexander earned first-team All-SEC honors as a senior at right tackle after playing at left guard the previous two seasons. During the 2015 season, Alexander reportedly logged more than 700 snaps, 100 knockdown blocks in 12 starts. He was a four-year starter with the Tigers.
Rookie Impact: Alexander needs to improve his blocking skills and foot work to complement his length, size and power. He projects at the guard position although he played both guard and tackle for the Tigers.
Did You Know?: Alexander reportedly lost 30 pounds since his freshman year at Louisiana State.
