Training Camp Preview: Kerby Joseph Headlines Lions' Safeties Group
Along with pumping significant resources into the Lions' cornerbacks room, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes prioritized upgrading the team's safeties group this offseason.
Namely, he added a pair of versatile defensive backs: rookie Brian Branch and fifth-year pro C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Reason for hope
Branch, a second-round draft pick of the Lions this past April, and Gardner-Johnson, a free-agent acquisition, can each line up at both nickel corner and safety.
An Alabama product, Branch recorded 90 total tackles, including 14 tackles for loss, in his final season with the Crimson Tide. He also notched three sacks, seven pass breakups and two interceptions. And, for his efforts, he was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Gardner-Johnson, in his lone season with the Philadelphia Eagles, produced a career-best and league-leading six interceptions in just 12 games. He also amassed a career-high 67 total tackles.
Gardner-Johnson, who spent the first three years of his NFL career with Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints, is looking forward to bringing a winning edge to Detroit this season.
“You guys play good ball here. I’m not trying to take that away from you. But, I don’t think guys have the fire that I have, anybody around the league,” the veteran defensive back told reporters during mandatory minicamp. “In the Super Bowl, you’ve seen it. Last year, you ‘seen’ it. The year before last year, you ‘seen’ it. The year I got in Tom Brady’s face, you ‘seen’ it. So, I think the passion that you guys see and the energy, I’m just ready to win. And, I’m not trying to take no steps off. Losing the Super Bowl doesn't mean take a step back.”
Training camp battle
As of right now, I believe it's pretty clear-cut that Gardner-Johnson will receive the majority of his reps at nickel corner this season.
Subsequently, it leaves Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker, Branch and Ifeatu Melifonwu to battle it out for the lion's share of snaps at safety.
Additionally, there's little-to-no question that Joseph and Walker will open up the campaign as the starters at strong safety and free safety, respectively. So, there isn't expected to be a serious competition for either of those starting jobs.
However, as the 2023 season progresses, I wouldn't be surprised to see Branch receive more and more playing time at safety. In my opinion, this will especially be the case if the Lions stick to their projected plan of providing Gardner-Johnson with a consistent and ample amount of snaps at nickel.
Player to watch
It has to be Joseph, after his standout rookie campaign.
The Illinois product suited up for all 17 games in 2022 (14 starts), and recorded an impressive stat line. He totaled 82 tackles, four interceptions, eight passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Most notably, his four picks were tied for the third most in the NFL last season.
Additionally, the ball-hawk safety forced a turnover in three straight games. It took place from Weeks 7-9, when he racked up two interceptions (both against former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers) and two forced fumbles.
As was proven last year, Joseph has the potential to be a game-changing talent in the back-end of Detroit's defensive backfield. His star has never shined brighter and the talented safety is on the verge of becoming a bonafide NFL star.
Undoubtedly, he'll be an integral piece of the Lions' safeties room in 2023.
