Detroit Lions' Kerby Joseph’s meteoric rise from underdog prospect to elite NFL safety

Kerby Joseph just made history—signing a massive new deal that makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL, cementing his rise from draft afterthought to defensive superstar.

With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, Joseph's incredible journey proves that draft position doesn't define a player's destiny, offering inspiration to every prospect waiting to hear their name called beyond the first round.

The Illinois product had a strong senior season - his final year in college - finishing fifth with 41 combined tackles and leading the team with five interceptions. Despite trending in the right direction as the 2022 Draft approached, NFL evaluators questioned Joseph's instincts, versatility, and ability in man coverage.

While Joseph's suggested shortcomings led some evaluations to suggest he was only worthy of as a lowly fifth-round pick, the Detroit Lions recognised the potential others missed, selecting Joseph in the third round with the 97th overall selection - making him the ninth player taken at safety.

The then-22-year-old took little time to establish himself amid the crowded Lions' safety group, becoming a starter only four games into his career. While his talent was never in doubt, the impact of Joseph’s early play was more subtle than sensational.

Joseph quickly demonstrated he could be a playmaker, snagging eight interceptions and a respectable 164 tackles over the first two years of his career. However, he missed far too many tackles and proved to be a liability against the run.

Head coach Dan Campbell challenged Joseph to become more "consistent" in 2024.

In 2024, Joseph didn't just become more consistent—he dominated, delivering a season so complete it won't be forgotten any time soon.

Joseph led the league with nine interceptions, amassed a career-high 83 tackles, and allowed only a 71.1 passer rating in coverage.

The Lions' star earned more votes than any other safety on his way to receiving his first All-Pro nomination. PFF, who grade every player single snap in every game, rated the All-Pro the best overall safety in the NFL.

On a defense which lost star edge rusher Adrian Hutchinson to injury, Joseph's performances were a critical factor in why the Lions were still able to clinch their second consecutive division title and the number one NFC seed with an incredible 15-2 record.

As the Lions regroup for another Super Bowl run in 2025, sceptics may wonder if Joseph can meet the expectations tied to his new deal, but he's no stranger to proving people wrong—and he's ready to do it again.

Watch the NFL draft live and for free on DAZN

The 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24 at  8pm  on the East Coast /  1am  Friday in the UK.

This year's NFL Draft will be available to watch for free on NFL Game Pass on DAZN (excluding the US and China).

For more information and to watch for free,  click here .

NFL Draft schedule

• Round 1 : Thursday, April 24 (8pm ET / 1am BST)
• Rounds 2 and 3 : Friday, April 25 (6pm ET / 11pm BST)
• Rounds 4-7 : Saturday, April 26 (12pm ET / 5pm BST)