5 Detroit Lions who could be first-time Pro Bowlers in 2023

3. S Kerby Joseph

Off a nice rookie season (four interceptions, 82 total tackles), Joseph came in first in Pro Bowl fan voting among NFC free safeties last year. But fan voting is only one-third of the selection process, so he didn't get to make the trip to Las Vegas with four of his teammates.

Even with the notable additions to the Lions secondary this offseason, Joseph's starting job is not in line to be seriously threatened by anyone. Internal expectations have been put out there for him, and they aren't low.

Joseph is a legit ball hawk, and he showed it immediately as a rookie last year. It's worth noting this year will only be his third season as a full-time defensive back, with his final year at Illinois and last year all that's under his belt.

The sky is the limit for Joseph, and his first Pro Bowl selection is possible in his second NFL season.

2. RB David Montgomery

Montgomery surely won't repeat Jamaal Williams' Lions franchise record 17 rushing touchdowns from last season. But he is an unequivoal upgrade over the plodding and more broadly limited Williams, and he's now running behind one of the best offensive lines in the league after years of that not being the case with the Bears.

Yes, Jahmyr Gibbs will get a good share of the work in the Lions' backfield. But make no mistake, Montgomery will be the proverbial bell cow while Gibbs is used as an all-around weapon. There will almost surely be times the two backs are on the field together, to create a real headache for opposing defenses.

If Montgomery runs for say, 1,100 yards and scores 10-12 times for the Lions this year, he'll be in the running for his first trip to the Pro Bowl. And those numbers are definitely possible.