Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have quickly asserted themselves as one of the premier safety duos in the NFL. Joseph just led the league with nine interceptions in 2024 and earned himself a contract extension. Branch will be eligible for an extension after this season.
Individually, the two are among the best safeties in the league. That was evidenced by Pro Football Focus in their recent ranking of the top 32 safeties in the league. Branch and Joseph are right next to each other in the middle of the top ten. Branch is at No. 5, Joseph sits at No. 6.
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PFF wrote this about Branch: “Following a very impressive rookie season, Branch further improved in his second year and established himself as one of the best safeties in the league. His 90.8 PFF run-defense grade ranked first at the position, while his 88.0 PFF pass-rushing grade placed second. His 11 pass breakups were the most by any safety last season.”
On Joseph, PFF had this to say: “Following two somewhat disappointing seasons to open his NFL account, Joseph enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, earning a position-leading 91.1 PFF coverage grade. He recorded eight interceptions, tying for the most in the league, and only 60.7% of passes into his coverage were completed (eighth best).”
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch both top 6 safeties per PFF