As we wrap up our look at the Lions’ needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, safety might not scream “priority” at first glance. After all, Detroit has one of the NFL’s top duos in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear they could use some help behind those two.
Joseph is entering the final year of his contract, and while a new deal seems likely, it’s not done yet. Branch is locked in through 2026, but paying both safeties top dollar in back-to-back years? That’s a big ask. So even if Detroit doesn’t need a starter right now, planning ahead might be smart business.
The depth chart behind them is thin. Loren Strickland, Erick Hallett, and Morice Norris have played exactly one defensive snap combined in the NFL. They’re not even special teams standouts yet, with just nine total games between them. An experienced vet would help, but grabbing a rookie with real upside could go a long way.
There’s talent in this year’s class too. Georgia’s Malaki Starks and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori might be first-rounders. Starks has Branch-like versatility, and Emmanwori’s athleticism is off the charts. On Day 2, keep an eye on Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State) and Xavier Watts (Notre Dame). Both bring physicality and production—Winston just has to prove he’s healthy after a torn ACL.
If the Lions wait until Day 3, Jonas Sanker (Virginia), Malachi Moore (Alabama), and Jaylen Reed (Penn State) are names to watch. All three offer special teams value and positional versatility. Reed, a Detroit native, even had a local visit with the team.
So while the Lions’ safety room looks good now, adding one more piece—whether for depth or the future—could be a sneaky smart move this draft.
