Welcome to the rest of the season / deep dynasty profile for Lion’s safety Kerby Joseph.
Safety, Kerby Joseph
According to his current grades by the film review, the Lions have found something special in late second-round rookie safety Kerby Joseph. In what has been a solid but short sample, the 97th selection of the NFL’s 2022 draft looks like an elite pickup for the organization.
After replacing a good strong safety in Tracy Walker (injured reserves) for the season, Joseph hasn’t missed a beat in producing exactly what this known IDP safety play offers. Let’s do a quick review of the math in our heads. With just 305 snaps under his belt, he’s been outstanding in the five contests he’s started.
Joseph recorded 26 total tackles and multiple big splash play moments, with the most recent highlights in Week 10 against the Packers. In that game, he had 10 combined tackles, 2 interceptions, and for good measure, in just 65% of the snaps. Joseph was also credited with three passes defended.
Granted, this was a hot matchup. But that’s just it. As a rookie, Kerby Joseph has matched what’s been available so far on paper via the matchups. And now, before going down with a concussion in Week 10, he’s been overachieving any expectations we had, considering.
Joseph will resume his role on this defense that’s afforded him the same great production he’s seen so far this year. And, of course, barring injury, for the rest of the 2022 season.
Dynasty Profile
Unfortunately, here is where it gets a little problematic. When we look at contracts, the other two starting safety skill sets are involved. And maybe, more importantly, where the money lies. The Lions will have to make room somehow to ensure they have this playmaker on the field.
Tracy Walker is solid but not really flashy with extra-type splash plays. Then we have Deshon Elliot, who just signed a big contract and has the same prowess in producing IDP production, but, according to PFF, is just average compared to Joseph. So with all three signed and tied to this team through 2023, how, who’s stock is down, and exactly when the Lions give their stand-out rookie, the complete nod is in question.
My hot take is that it will likely be Tracy Walker somehow. He just tore his Achilles recently and also has a huge out in his contract in the 2024 off-season. One that could save the Lions big money and is comparable with very little dead cap.
We figure that’s the latest for Joseph’s dynasty window to be wide open. Anything in 2023 hinges on Tracy Walker’s recovery. So we’re guessing, at this point, he’ll be brought back along slowly. Especially when they know they hit on a gem when they drafted Kerby Joseph.
Thank you for checking out The Buffalo Bill’s Damar Hamlin IDP profile. If you’re interested, catch more of my Tipster fantasy football and NFL IDP content on Twitter at @TheIDPTipster, or find all my future IDP Guys content at IDPGuys.org. Let’s chat! I’ll always find time to talk defensive player football anytime.
