The Detroit Lions just made a little bit of NFL history — and it’s not coming from their offense this time.
For the first time ever under ESPN’s annual positional rankings, two safeties from the same team landed in the top five. That’s right — Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have officially become the league’s most respected safety tandem, according to votes from execs, coaches, and scouts.
Branch, who continues to dazzle with his versatility and elite football IQ, ranked No. 2 overall, while Joseph, the league’s interception leader last season, came in at No. 5. Just last year, Joseph didn’t even make the list — and now he’s silenced critics with a First-Team All-Pro season and a ridiculous nine interceptions.
Branch’s move from nickel corner to full-time safety in 2024 clearly paid off, and the duo has become the heart of Detroit’s aggressive, turnover-hungry defense.
In a league where secondary play is more crucial than ever, the Lions don’t just have one elite safety — they’ve got two, and they’re both under 25. That’s a scary thought for every quarterback on the 2025 schedule.
Lions’ Dynamic Duo: Branch & Joseph Make NFL History Together
