
Lions eye versatile safeties as 2026 draft looms
Detroit’s 2026 draft outlook centers on adding versatile safeties to a deep group (Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Thomas Harper, Avonte Maddox, etc.) while monitoring Joseph’s knee recovery and Branch’s Achilles rehab. The top safety class features Caleb Downs as a potential early pick, with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Dillon Thieneman also in play. Five safeties who could fit Detroit: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Dillon Thieneman, A.J. Haulcy, Zakee Wheatley and Kyle Louis, offering in-the-box presence, range and ball skills to boost the defense in multiple roles.
