The Detroit Lions are on a short break before things ramp up again for the 2025 season, and while fans catch their breath, it’s a good time to look back on OTAs and see who stood out — and who didn’t.
One rookie who hasn’t made a ton of noise yet? Safety Dan Jackson.
The former Georgia standout was a solid college player — a two-time national champ, third-team All-SEC honoree, and the kind of tough, downhill safety who piled up 47 solo tackles, two picks, and a forced fumble last season. But since arriving in Allen Park, Jackson’s name hasn’t come up much.
According to Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon, Jackson made a few splash plays during OTAs but struggled when the action moved behind him or toward the sideline — not ideal for someone trying to carve out a role in a thin safety group behind Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
The good news? There’s still plenty of offseason left. Jackson’s aggressive, high-motor style is a great fit for Dan Campbell’s defense — if he can sharpen his awareness and avoid getting caught out of position. He’ll likely compete with Avonte Maddox for that No. 3 safety role once training camp gets rolling.
Detroit’s defense is still taking shape, and if Jackson can flash the upside he showed at Georgia, he just might find himself earning meaningful snaps by the time September hits.
Detroit’s Secondary Needs Help – Can This Rookie Safety Step Up?
