The offseason has been a time of change for the Detroit Lions, with changes coming on the roster and coaching staff.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions lost DC Aaron Glenn, CB Carlton Davis, and DB Ifeatu Melifonwu.
With OTAs wrapped up and minicamps next on the docket, players are starting to stand out. Melifonwu signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, and he's already starting to impress his new team.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, "it sounds like has taken an early lead on one of the two starting positions."
#Dolphins S Ifeatu Melifonwu reportedly has an early lead on one of Miami's starting safety jobs:https://t.co/2b9uTjW5o2
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 7, 2025
Ifeatu Melifonwu Standing Out in Dolphins Practice
The Dolphins had Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer as their starting safeties in 2024, but both guys hit free agency. Miami wanted to go in a different direction, and Melifonwu has his eyes locked on one of the gigs with the Dolphins.
Melifonwu was a third-round pick by Detroit in the 2021 NFL draft. Despite coming in with high expectations, injuries piled up during his time there. He missed games due to ankle, quad, and finger injuries over four seasons.
Over 37 games (14 starts), he had 72 total tackles, six TFLs, 13 pass deflections, and two interceptions.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, he has the build and tools to grab one of those jobs. Ashtyn Davis is the only other player in that room who has the skills to compete with Melifonwu, but since there are two spots available, the odds are that Melifonwu will be one of those starters.
The Lions have Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch as their two starters, but having Melifonwu as a depth piece would have been solid going into 2025. Instead, they brought in veteran Avonte Maddox, who will likely take over that role from Melifonwu.
We'll have to see how he fares in that slot with Melifonwu poised to be a starter for Miami.