A transfer portal target Michigan Football should consider

Michigan football has lost multiple players to the transfer portal but here is one that the Wolverines should target. 

Last week, Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal.

To this point, Michigan football has not shown any interest. Here is why the Wolverines should pursue him.

In 2020, Joseph recorded 52 tackles, six interceptions, and eight passes defended in just nine games. For his efforts, Joseph received first-team All-Big Ten honors and was a Unanimous First Team All-American.

Joseph could not replicate his 2020 form in 2021. However, he still had 79 tackles, a sack, three interceptions, and five passes defended in 12 games. He had 12 tackles and his lone career sack against Michigan. He was a bright spot on a bad Northwestern defense.

Pro Football Focus lists Joseph #89 on its 2022 Big Board for the NFL Draft. Michigan will likely lose Daxton Hill to the NFL Draft and Brad Hawkins is graduating.

Michigan has young talent behind them in RJ Moten and Rod Moore, who figure to be the favorites to start next season as now. There is also Jordan Morant, Makari Paige, and incoming freshmen Zeke Berry, Keon Sabb, and Damani Dent.

However, Michigan defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald ran a lot of three safety looks, so Michigan could find a role for Joseph if he were to come to Ann Arbor.

Daxton Hill played a ton at nickelback and his ability to cover in man was an asset to Michigan’s defense. Joseph is not as good against the run as Hill but he is capable better in man coverage for a safety. Where Joseph really excels is as a deep safety where his range, instincts, and ball-hawking skills really shine.

In 21 career games, Joseph had nine interceptions and recovered a fumble. That means he was involved a forcing a turnover nearly every other game on average.

While Michigan football’s defense was strong this season, it tied just 67th in turnovers forced this season. Brandon Joseph would help in that regard.

Additionally, there is nothing wrong with strengthening a strength on the roster. Michigan also has young and talented center options in Greg Crippen, Reece Atteberry, and Raheem Anderson capable of replacing Andrew Vastardis.

However, that did not stop the Wolverines from pursuing Victor Oluwatim as an upgrade. If Michigan has a chance to add a future top 100 NFL draft pick like Joseph, it should absolutely pursue him.