Rookie Kerby Joseph’s experience on both sides of the ball highlights the versatility he hopes to provide the Lions’ defense.
When safety Kerby Joseph stepped onto the practice field at Allen Park Friday for the first day of rookie minicamp, he felt a sense of accomplishment. While speaking to local media after his second minicamp practice, the Lions’ 2022 third-round draft pick admitted this experience has been humbling.
“Just coming out for practice for the first day … it was just like, I’m actually out here. It’s a lifelong dream come true.
“I was very proud. Not really nervous because, you know, pressure makes diamonds. All the pressure’s just gonna make me become who I really need to be.”
Joseph was a two-way player in high school, lining up as both a wide receiver and defensive back. He hopes that same versatility will earn him more playing time in Detroit, saying he wants to move around on defense and reduce his time on the sidelines. He’d even be willing to pick up shifts on offense in his old position.
“I want to be more versatile around the field so I would always be on the field [and] I wouldn’t have to come out in different packages.
“If I could play nickel safety, and I mean you can throw me in the corner spot if you want to, just as long as I can stay on the field as long as possible.”
Versatility is a skill head coach Dan Campbell is working to instill in his players on both sides of the ball.
“You just want to get to the point to where you know that offensively, you can do anything and everything in your arsenal to put stress on the defense,” Campbell said during a recent press conference.
Defensively, Detroit struggled last season, ranking last in the league in run defense, 31st in points against and 29th in yards allowed while recording only 30 sacks. The Lions made a schematic change this offseason, shifting from a 3-4 to a 4-3 system.
“It's going to have us be more physical and aggressive up front,” defensive line coach Todd Wash said in a recent interview with Detroitlions.com. “Now we're attacking.”
Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes used the 2022 NFL Draft to bolster their defense and add some needed depth. No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson can be an immediate playmaker, and second-round pick Josh Paschal is a versatile player with the potential to play multiple roles on the defensive line.
Joseph’s experience at wide receiver could help him read plays on the field and boost Detroit’s defense. The Illinois alum recorded five interceptions, 11 passes defended and 115 tackles in his four-year career.
He recognizes he still has a lot to learn and is trying to work with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and defensive backs/pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant as much as he can.
“Those guys, they’re gonna get me right and I trust them with that,” Joseph said. “You gotta be coachable to play this game, so I’m always willing to learn.”
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