🏈 “From breakout stars to complete players:
The areas Joseph & Branch must refine to take the Lions’ defense to the next level

Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch were two of the biggest bright spots in the Lions’ defense last season — and that’s saying something, considering how far this unit has come. Now the question heading into 2025 isn’t if they’re good, it’s how much better can they get?

Branch impressed right out of the gate as a rookie, and Detroit is all-in on his future — officially locking him in as a full-time safety. Pairing him next to Joseph, who’s blossomed into one of the NFL’s most instinctive playmakers, gives the Lions a dynamic, young safety duo with sky-high potential.

With more experience under their belts and a deepening understanding of Aaron Glenn’s scheme, these two could be nightmares for opposing quarterbacks. Expect Branch to be even more dangerous in blitz packages, and Joseph to continue sharpening his ball-hawking skills.

The Lions are building something serious on defense — and Joseph and Branch are right in the middle of it.