By Blessing 
Mike Tannenbaum Sees Malaki Starks as a Strong Fit for Lions’ Secondary
The Detroit Lions already have two standout safeties in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Joseph was a first-team All-Pro, and Branch made an immediate impact, earning Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season at the position.
Despite this solid duo, former NFL general manager and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum believes Detroit should still consider adding another safety. In his latest mock draft, he projected Georgia’s Malaki Starks as the Lions’ pick.
During a conference call with reporters, Tannenbaum explained why he sees Starks as a natural fit for Detroit’s secondary.
“I think he fits in with those guys (Branch and Joseph) they got. I see him a lot like Brian Branch,” Tannenbaum said. “I just think of like what have Brad (Holmes) and Dan (Campbell) done, they have taken productive players from big schools. Malaki Starks is a productive player from a big school who is very smart and very versatile.”
Why Another Safety?
Even though the Lions have talent at safety, there are long-term considerations at play. Joseph is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and Branch will have one more year remaining after 2025. Injuries also plagued Detroit’s defense last season, emphasizing the importance of depth in the secondary.
Another key factor is GM Brad Holmes’ drafting philosophy. Rather than strictly drafting for positional need, he often targets the best available player. If Starks, widely considered one of the top defensive prospects, is still on the board when Detroit picks at No. 28, he could be too good to pass up.
Other Lions Headlines (March 26)
- Heisman winner Travis Hunter had Lions legend Calvin Johnson on his podcast.
- The Detroit Free Press graded the Lions’ early free-agent signings.
- The Lions’ official website published a prospect profile on Marshall’s Mike Green.
With the NFL Draft approaching, the Lions will have to decide if adding another high-caliber safety is the right move for their defense.