Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph already appears to be developing into a rock-solid NFL player, entering his third season.
Bigger and better things could still be in store, though, according to at least one outlet. Joseph landed a spot on CBS Sports' NFL All-Breakout Team for 2024, released Tuesday. He is the lone Lions player on the team.
Joseph played 15 regular-season games — all starts — for last season's NFC North champion, as well as all three playoff games. His four interceptions during the regular season matched his total from his rookie season, where he appeared in all 17 games, making 14 starts.
Joseph added 11 pass breakups and 82 total tackles (the latter also matching his 17-game totals as a rookie) in 2023's regular season, but Josh Edwards of CBS Sports says the Lions' bevy of offseason additions in the secondary could help the 23-year-old take the next step.
The Lions selected cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the first and second rounds of April's NFL Draft, respectively, traded for veteran corner Carlton Davis III and added cornerback Amik Robertson via free agency.
"(Data analytics site) TruMedia has a metric that measures the passer rating by opposing quarterbacks against coverage players; Joseph ranked third last season (28.0)," Edwards writes. "Joseph had four interceptions last season, but, with improved talent around him, the Illinois product has the opportunity to put himself in Pro Bowl and All-Pro consideration."
The Lions selected Joseph in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He is working his way back from offseason surgery on his hip, which he injured early last season that sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4. The surgery has limited him in the team's offseason programs.
"Y'all just bear with me," Joseph told reporters during the team's uniform reveal in mid-April. "But I'll be back."
