Can Miles Killebrew Become Detroit’s Starting Strong Safety?
By Matt Urben
Other than Cowboys rookie quarterback, Dak Prescott, you generally won’t find a more exciting prospect in the fourth-round of the NFL Draft than Lions 2016 rookie safety, Miles Killebrew.
He had everything. Size (6-2, 222 lbs), speed (4.5 40-yard-dash time) and a reputation as a big-hit specialist. Killebrew was, on paper, a perfect positional complement for Glover Quin, the Lions’ playmaking free safety. Detroit parted with both James Ihedigbo and Isa Abdul-Quddus after the 2015 season, temporarily leaving Quin without a running mate at the strong safety spot. The Lions, and first-time general manager, Bob Quinn, elected to take a by-committee approach to the vacant position.
In came safeties Rafael Bush and Tavon Wilson — two borderline starters in this league. So when Killebrew was added, it appeared as if the Lions would not be expecting much out of the rookie from Southern Utah. Lions defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin, found ways to get the young-gunner onto the field for more than just special teams work.
Thanks to some 3-safety formations, Detroit got steady production out of all three offseason additions. Bush and Wilson have proven to be effective, cheap signings with versatility. Killebrew played that in-the-box safety/linebacker hybrid role. This allowed him to focus on his primary strengths.
He flashed the athleticism and fearlessness that made scouts refer to Killebrew as a “tightly bundled muscle hammer” in his draft profile. His 2016 stats are not overly impressive, but still respectable, nonetheless. Killebrew finished the year with 28 tackles (15 solo) and 1 interception.
As I wrote after he played a key role in the Lions’ win over Jacksonville, Killebrew was as impactful as anyone could’ve hoped, coming out of the Big Sky Conference. During that game, the rookie came up with some big-time, solo tackles to stop Jacksonville just short of converting multiple third downs. It was a very good showing and Killebrew continued to improve as the season went along.
Despite being a player that is still growing in pass-coverage, he showed up during some of the biggest moments on a team that engineered eight fourth-quarter comebacks. We all love to give Matthew Stafford boatloads of credit, and rightfully so, however, the defense was every bit as critical.
With the draft and free agency coming soon, Detroit will have to assess whether or not they are happy with the guys they have on the back end. It doesn’t seem very likely, but there could be certain players available, including a guy like Jabrill Peppers, that some feel could help Detroit’s slightly below-average pass defense.
The Lions have talent but are extremely young at corner. Darius Slay was recently extended, plus veteran Glover Quin is a lock to start at free safety. Outside of those two, there’s plenty of long-term uncertainty on the back end. Safety wasn’t really the problem last season. Detroit’s bigger issue was a lack of pressure up front.
Heading into 2017, Miles Killebrew still faces tough odds to overtake either Wilson or Bush, assuming both are back. Although, Teryl Austin has proven capable of utilizing all three players. Can Miles eventually become Detroit’s starting strong safety? It’s too early to say for sure, but I wouldn’t bet against this kid. Not after a successful rookie season as part of a young Lions secondary.
If Austin continues to put him in a position to succeed, the talent is unquestionably there for the guy nicknamed “Killa” Watch for yourself in Sandman’s video compilation below from the Jaguars game.
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