Lions safety Kerby Joseph is getting noticed on a national scale

When they drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions knew Kerby Joseph was a raw ballhawk. During his lone season as a full-time defensive back in college at Illinois, he had five interceptions.

Joseph proved to be that ballhawk, with four interceptions in each of his first two NFL seasons. Heading into his third season, it was about reaching another level and Lions head coach Dan Campbell laid out that expectation early in training camp.

Joseph clearly got that message. He is tied for the league lead with six interceptions heading into Week 11, and he's Pro Football Focus' No. 2-graded safety (behind teammate Brian Branch). His missed tackle rate is a career-best. As he and Branch have become the best safety tandem in the league, Joseph is getting noticed on a wider scale.

National analysts are noticing Kerby Joseph

Heading into Week 10, at the halfway point of the season, Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports had Joseph on his list of difference makers for the second half.

"Joseph is tied for the league lead in interceptions (6) as opposing quarterbacks have completed just 47.4% of passes when targeting him."

"Joseph has more interceptions returned for touchdowns (1) than touchdowns given up (0). Opposing quarterbacks have just a 14.5 passer rating when targeting Joseph as the primary defender. The Lions have a good defense because of players like Joseph, who has been one of the best defensive players in the game this year."

This week, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also named Joseph as a second half breakout candidate.

"Watch for Lions safety Kerby Joseph to continue his ball-hawking ways. His ball production has been impressive since entering the league, with 14 career interceptions midway through his third NFL season. Detroit's safety duo of Joseph and Brian Branch will have heavy influence on the NFC North."

Joining the bandwagon, NFL.com's Kevin Patra has named Joseph as a sleeper Pro Bowl candidate.

"The safety's six interceptions are tied for the NFL lead, most of which have come in massive spots or changed games. It's not just those moments when Joseph has shined. His -39.1 target EPA is by far the lowest among all safeties (Xavier McKinney is next at -20.8). He's allowed a 20.2 quarterback rating as the nearest defender, the lowest among all DBs, and his 45 percent completion rate allowed is the third-lowest (minimum 200 coverage snaps). The former third-round pick has grown into the glue of Aaron Glenn's secondary and enables the rest of the operation to play physical up front."

Craig Ellenport of Athlon Sports took it a big step further, putting Joseph at No. 5 on his list of non-quarterback MVP candidates through Week 10.

"Joseph has quietly been one of the most important players in the NFL this season. The third-year safety is tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions, having returned one for a touchdown. According to Next Gen Stats, Joseph has been targeted 20 times, allowing a total of nine catches for 97 yards and no scores, for a paltry passer rating of 20.2."

Joseph is having the breakout season Campbell forecasted he would have. He has become one of the best safeties in the league, and thus impossible to ignore on a national scale.