Surely seeing his potential to be a ballhawk (five interceptions in his lone college season playing just defensive back), the Detroit Lions drafted Kerby Joseph in the third round of the 2022.
It's safe to say Joseph has fulfilled that promise, intercepting four passes in each of his first two seasons. In Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, he intercepted his fourth pass of this season over the first five games.
According to Lions' PR, Joseph is the first Lions safety to have an interception in four of the team's first five games since 1981 (Jimmy Allen).
So far this season, Joseph has also shown a propensity for intercepting passes in the end zone, including the one in Week 6. Lions' PR also noted some rare air he's in there.
"When teams have thrown passes in the end zone against the Lions this year, they are 1-of-14 (7.1%) for 10 yards, 1 TD & 5 INTs for a 23.8 QB rating."
"(Joseph) is the only player to have 4 INTs in the end zone in a season since 2006, as far as 'Tru Media's data goes."
Kerby Joseph in some rare air for interceptions so far in his career
Going even further, Lions' PR noted Joseph is the first safety since Ed Reed (2002-2004) to have four or more interceptions in each of his first three seasons.
.@Lions S @JKERB25 has produced 4+ INTs in each of his first three-career seasons.
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) October 13, 2024
The last @NFL safety to do so was S Ed Reed (2002-04).#OnePride pic.twitter.com/f5rdO8rprj
Reed had 21 interceptions over his first three seasons, so Joseph has a long way to go before he matches that total.
Reed led the league with nine interceptions and won Defensive Player of the Year in his third season. Joseph has a stated goal to lead the league in interceptions this season, and he's currently second behind Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who has played six games.
However you slice it, Joseph is doing some special things so far this season. Already matching the early-career interception accomplishment of a Hall of Fame safety is obvious evidence.