Next up in the series spotlighting a draft prospect for each position for the Detroit Lions: the safeties. It's a position Lions GM Brad Holmes has landed two outstanding starters but little else over his four-year tenure.
The Lions aren't going to draft a wideout in each round, of course. The goal here is to show which types of talents are fits for the Lions in each round of the draft to help identify talents, and also the relative value that projects to be available for Detroit in those rounds. As an example, here's one from 2022 identifying Malcolm Rodriguez as a sixth-round LB for the Lions.
Detroit doesn't currently have a pick in the fifth round, but trades happen all the time, so it's included here. Prospects for the first three rounds here are skewed toward where the Lions will currently select in each round: No. 28, 60 and 102 overall, respectively. The approximate draft round projections are as of April 1st.
State of the position
Detroit is set for 2025 with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The duo is arguably the best 1-2 safety tandem in the league. Branch is a versatile playmaker all over the formation. Joseph led the NFL in interceptions in 2024 and is one of the premier back-end rovers.
After that, the depth chart falls off a cliff. Oft-injured Ifeatu Melifonwu left in free agency, which leaves a pair of 2024 undrafted rookies, Morice Norris and Loren Strickland. Third-year Erick Hallett was signed to a reserve contract after finishing the season on the Lions' practice squad as well; he's yet to be active for a game in his two seasons. That's the depth behind Joseph and Branch.
Also, Joseph is entering the final season of his rookie contract. He is expected to land a very lucrative new contract--hopefully in Detroit. But for now, he is a potential free agent next offseason. Branch is one year behind on that contract cycle, and he, too, will figure to require a hefty contract to stay in Detroit.
First round: Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Before getting to Emmanwori...Georgia's Malaki Starks would represent the best player available regardless of position if he were somehow to fall to the Lions at No. 28. He's a ...
