When any NFL regular season comes to an end, it gives an opportunity for reflection for all the accomplishments players had during the season. Whether it was a rookie, veteran, quarterback, or safety, each position in the NFL is awarded based on the play of the top-tier players.
The Pro Football Writers released their annual awards for the All-Rookie team for the 2016-17 season. According to Jimmy Durkin of the Bay Area News Group, the Oakland Raiders had one appearance on the list:
#Raiders safety Karl Joseph was named to the @PFWAwriters All-Rookie team.
— Jimmy Durkin (@Jimmy_Durkin) January 17, 2017
Rookie safety Karl Joseph was asked of a lot during his rookie season. Upon playing in the first 12 regular season games, he suffered an injury to his left big toe, which sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season.
At the beginning of the season, Joseph had a reduced role on the team, as the defensive back was behind D.J. Hayden on the depth chart. However Hayden’s season-ending injury and placement on the injured reserve led to an opening for Joseph, to which he capitalized.
Joseph returned to the Raiders during their Wild Card showdown against the Houston Texans, collecting four tackles in their loss.
During the regular season (12 games – 9 starts), the All-Rookie selection totaled 44 tackles (16 assisted), with one interception, six passes defended and one fumble recovery.
His selection via the Pro Football Writers comes alongside the likes of Ezekiel Elliot and Joey Bosa, who were named the offensive and defensive rookies of the year.
Joseph was the lone Raiders’ rookie to be selected, while the Kansas City Chiefs led the NFL with four selections.
