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Josh Metellus

Josh Metellus Player Profile

Summary

Josh Metellus was selected in the 6th Round (#205 Overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft out of University of Michigan. Metellus is a versatile, high-effort defensive back with strong run-support skills, physicality, and scheme-IQ. His ability to play multiple roles makes him particularly valuable. His main challenges are in isolated coverage situations and elite speed match-ups. If he continues to polish his coverage and adapt to the NFL speed of game, he has the potential to be a very impactful piece. If not, he remains a strong rotational/hybrid player with significant upside.

Strengths

  • Versatility & role-flexibility: Metellus has been described as a defensive “X-man” who lines up in the slot, in the box, as a blitzer, and deep in coverage depending on the scheme. Minnesota Vikings

  • Run support and physical tackling: He’s noted for being aggressive downhill, filling gaps, and making stops in the run game. Bleacher Report

  • Football IQ and scheme understanding: Metellus seems to thrive in a complex scheme because of his ability to understand multiple roles, alignments, and responsibilities. Minnesota Vikings

  • High-energy and physical demeanor: His college scouting reports call him a hard hitter, driven, and someone who finishes tackles and plays with effort. Steelers Depot

Weaknesses

  • Coverage weaknesses, especially in deep/one-on-one situations: Early evaluations noted that Metellus struggled in man coverage, sometimes got “caught flat-footed,” or gave up big plays in coverage. Maize n Brew

  • Range / top-end speed in isolation: While solid overall, some analysts believed he lacked the twitch or elite foot-speed to always keep up with the fastest receivers when isolated. Steelers Depot

  • Consistency of role — may be better as a sub-package/range player rather than a pure every-down free safety: Given his strengths and weaknesses, his long-term ideal role may be as a hybrid rather than a traditional center-field safety. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

Metellus fits best in modern defenses that require players to move around, fulfill multiple roles, and create mismatches rather than simply play a fixed position. In the Vikings’ scheme, he is often used in sub-packages, blitzes, slot coverages, and box alignments, taking advantage of his versatility. If he continues to refine his coverage technique (especially in man and deep zones) and improves his athletic match-ups, his value will continue to rise. On the flip side, if his limitations in speed/coverage are exposed more often, his role may remain more specialized rather than full-time.