Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has spent the past few seasons transforming one of the NFL’s weakest secondaries into a strength on a team with championship aspirations. But despite major improvements, there could still be more work ahead.
Pro Football Network’s Max Dorsey predicts the Lions will use their 2026 NFL Draft pick on South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore, a dynamic, versatile defender who could fit perfectly in Detroit’s evolving secondary.
Dorsey highlighted that the Lions could use another athletic safety to complement Brian Branch, who has emerged as a standout player in Detroit’s defensive backfield. Kilgore is considered one of the top safety prospects in next year’s draft and has shown the ability to play multiple positions, from free safety and nickel corner to lining up in the box.
> “Kilgore is a monster athlete and one of the most versatile prospects in this class,” Dorsey wrote. “He’s physical against the run, rangy in pass coverage, and can fill multiple roles at the next level.”
Lions beat reporter Tim Twentyman noted that Detroit’s secondary is already stacked with talent, with Branch and Kerby Joseph forming what he called the NFL’s best safety duo. Their combined 13 interceptions and 28 pass breakups last season were a major reason Detroit won a second straight NFC North title.
The Lions have also bolstered their cornerback group with additions like D.J. Reed and rookie Terrion Arnold, giving them depth and flexibility to match up against any offense. Twentyman added that the Lions’ veteran-laden secondary provides an ideal environment to ease a rookie like Kilgore into the lineup if he joins the team next year.
> “This is a veteran group with the versatility to run any coverage scheme new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard wants,” Twentyman wrote. “The Lions’ secondary has a chance to take another big step forward in 2025.”
If Detroit does add Kilgore, it would continue Holmes’ aggressive strategy of building a defense capable of contending for a Super Bowl.
Lions Eyeing Athletic DB Addition to Strengthen Defense, Analyst Says
