Just when it felt like the Detroit Lions had suffered enough injuries, they got hit with the news that star safety Brian Branch suffered a torn Achilles in their win last Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys. In just three seasons, Branch quickly asserted himself as one of the best safeties in the league and was in line to receive a massive payday before the injury.
Not only does the injury affect the Lions for the rest of the season, but it also shifts the team’s offseason approach. With Branch’s earliest timeframe for return being in September, the Lions must prioritize acquiring depth at safety in the offseason. Although the Lions have two of the best safeties in the league, they lack quality depth behind them.
Their current backups, Daniel Thomas and Avonte Maddox, are both free agents after this season. With the Lions having a projected $13.38 million in cap space, per Spotrac, they won’t find a long-term solution at safety in free agency. General manager Brad Holmes' best bet is to look into this year’s upcoming draft to fulfill their desperate need for depth at safety.
Lions Must Find Long-Term Solution at Safety Through NFL Draft
Luckily for the Lions, they can find that in this year’s draft, which is loaded with a plethora of talented safeties. Pro Football Focus has 15 safeties in their top 150 prospects big board, with Ohio State’s star safety Caleb Downs ranking as the second-best overall prospect.
Although Downs won’t be available when the Lions are on the clock, they still have plenty of options to choose from. Two safeties that the Lions should take into deep consideration are Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley and Alabama’s Bray Hubbard.
Wheatley, who PFF has as the seventh-highest-rated safety, has been tremendous for the Nittany Lions this season. He’s been an absolute lockdown in coverage this season, allowing just eight receptions on 11 targets, 48 receiving yards, and one touchdown.
Along with that, Wheatley recorded 74 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one interception. Wheatley’s skill set in coverage would provide a significant boost to a Lions’ secondary that’s allowed the most air yards (2,029) and ranks 19th in passing yards allowed (221.2).
Hubbard, who PFF has as the 14th highest-rated safety, is having a breakout year with the Crimson Tide, emerging as a disruptor against the run and pass. His 91.0 run grade ranks fifth among all safeties, whereas his 86.4 coverage grade ranks 19th.
Through 13 games, Hubbard recorded 66 total tackles, an SEC-leading four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one sack. His versatility, combined with his turnover-creating ability, would fit perfectly with the Lions' defense.
No matter how and where the Lions decide how to address their depth at safety, it needs to be addressed. While the best option would be drafting a safety to develop and learn behind Kerby Joseph and Branch, they must understand they cannot go into next season with championship aspirations with their current backup safeties.