The Detroit Lions have spent the past several years building one of the NFL’s deepest and most talented rosters, and nowhere is that more evident than at safety.
That reality was reinforced in ESPN’s annual survey of more than 70 NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, where Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both earned spots among the league’s top 10 safeties. While injuries impacted each player’s placement, the respect they continue to command around the NFL was impossible to ignore.
With two young stars still in their mid-20s, the Lions appear to have one of football’s premier safety duos for years to come.
Brian Branch Remains One of the NFL’s Most Complete Safeties
After finishing second in last year’s rankings, Branch slipped two spots to No. 4. His drop had little to do with his ability and much more to do with availability after a torn Achilles limited him to 12 games during the 2025 season.
Even with the missed time, Branch remained one of the NFL’s most productive defensive backs.
According to ESPN’s survey, Branch posted a 1.9 percent pass breakup rate, which ranked third among NFL safeties. He also showcased his versatility by playing both in the slot and at safety while recording 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hits.
His unique skill set continues to impress league evaluators.
“Versatility, toughness, smarts. He’s a complete player,” one NFL passing game coordinator said. “He’s a baller when healthy. He’s got elite instincts.”
Another NFL personnel evaluator echoed those sentiments.
“He can play forward or backward at a high level. Not many can.”
Perhaps the best news for Detroit is that Branch has reportedly avoided any setbacks during his recovery. While the Lions are expected to be cautious with his return, there remains optimism that one of the league’s most versatile defenders will once again become a centerpiece of Aaron Glenn’s defense.
Kerby Joseph Continues to Earn Respect Across the League
Joining Branch in the top 10 was fellow Lions standout Kerby Joseph, who checked in at No. 9.
Like Branch, Joseph’s ranking was affected by injuries after missing 11 games during the 2025 season because of a knee injury. When healthy, however, few safeties have matched his production.
Joseph has totaled 20 interceptions and 35 passes defended in just 52 career games, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier ball hawks.
His impact extends well beyond traditional statistics.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Joseph recorded a remarkable 50.0 percent ball hawk rate in 2025 after defending four of the eight passes thrown into his coverage area.
One NFL personnel evaluator offered perhaps the simplest explanation for Joseph’s success.
“He finds the ball. It’s hard to find guys with post range like him who can play over the top.”
The advanced metrics paint an equally impressive picture.
Over the past two seasons, the Lions have produced the highest defensive Expected Points Added (EPA) in the NFL when Joseph is the nearest defender, highlighting just how valuable his range and instincts have become to Detroit’s secondary.
Detroit’s Safety Tandem Is Among the NFL’s Best
The Lions have built their defense around versatility, intelligence, and playmaking ability, and Branch and Joseph embody all three qualities.
Branch has proven he can impact games from virtually anywhere on the field, whether covering the slot, blitzing quarterbacks, or making plays against the run.
Joseph, meanwhile, has developed into one of football’s premier centerfield safeties, consistently taking away deep passing lanes while creating turnovers.
It’s a combination few teams can match.
With both players still just 24 and 25 years old, respectively, Detroit appears well positioned at one of the game’s most important defensive positions.
If both safeties can stay healthy throughout the 2026 season, don’t be surprised if each climbs even higher in next year’s rankings.
