Kerby

Joseph

Joseph took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Odell Beckham in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ Week 7 game against the Ravens. He was taken off the field and the Lions announced that he entered concussion protocol.

Joseph was placed in the protocol after taking a hit from teammate Jeff Okudah in the second half against the Packers. This limited practice suggests he is well on his way to getting cleared before Sunday. Joseph broke out with two interceptions of Aaron Rodgers before being forced to exit.

Having a breakout game in the form of two interceptions of Aaron Rodgers, Joseph was shaken up after taking second half friendly fire from Jeff Okudah. Scary, though Joseph was signing autographs after the game, an indication he may have avoided a concussion. In addition to the picks, third-rounder Kerby has forced two fumbles in recent weeks. He has consistently been making plays since debuting five games ago.

A rangy, ball-hawking free safety who had single-high responsibility at Illinois, Joseph (6’1/203) spent the first half of 2020 at wide receiver before switching back to free safety. He made up for lost time last season, accruing 57 tackles, seven PBUs, three fumble recoveries, and five interceptions while receiving second-team All-Big Ten recognition. His hands are a massive 10.25 inches and his 33-inch arms are a length more commonly associated with edge defenders. A hamstring injury kept him from running in the pre-draft process, but he flashed enough speed and range to be able to stick at the NFL level. He’s going to get a shot to prove he belongs in the NFL, but he will need to prove his late-bloomer 2021 breakout wasn’t a fluke.

Joseph (6'1/200) is a consensus top-five safety who we can see getting the call on Day 1. His versatility to play both man and zone coverage is going to be valuable as a team can feel comfortable keeping him in the game in different situations. He has amazing athletism and speed that allows him to adjust in coverage contests receivers. Whatever team that drafts him is getting a special player.

Kyle Hamilton is the marque safety in this draft, but there are a couple of others that should get some attention. Joseph (6'1/200) wasn’t able to fully participate in the drills at the combine due to a hamstring injury but was the headline after the Illinois pro day. Coming out the season he was one of the best safeties in coverage. His 90.4 PFF Grade was best amongst Big Ten Safeties and had the best coverage grade at 90.6. Hamilton is going to go early this draft, so anyone looking to fill the safety position later should be looking at Joseph.

In a safety group with a lot of uncertainty outside of Kyle Hamilton, Joseph (6'1/200) had a big opportunity to make a statement during combine workouts. Unfortunately for Joseph, he wasn’t comfortable doing the physical drills. According to Ian Rapoport, Joseph tweaked his hamstring recently and was only at about 85 percent. He did feel comfortable doing the jumps and should be healthy enough to run at his pro day coming up.