Detroit Lions: Position by position breakdown of the 53-man roster
By Reuben Gasee
Safeties
- Tracy Walker #21
- Will Harris #25
- Miles Killebrew #35
- Duron Harmon #26
- C.J. Moore #49
- Jayron Kearse #32*
As part of the secondary, the Lions are hoping that their safeties will help significantly improve from last year’s worst-ranked pass defense.
At free safety, Tracy Walker is entering his third year in the NFL where last year, he tackled a whopping 103 players (82 solo) with, eight pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception.
For the pass defense to improve, Walker will need to carry on his momentum from last season. Will Harris also appeared in all games with the Lions last season where he recorded 43 tackles (30 solo) with a sack. Miles Killebrew will simply as serve as extra depth in case Walker or Harris get injured.
At the strong safety position, Duron Harmon will be the starter which they acquired him in an offseason deal with the Patriots. They brought him in as one of multiple players who are aware of Patricia’s scheme on defense. In 16 games played, he recorded 22 tackles (19 solo) with two interceptions and five passes defended. C.J. Moore will serve behind Harmon on the depth chart.
The safeties will be a crucial part of the Lions secondary in hopes that it bounces back after a disastrous 2019 showing.
*Jayron Kearse was going to be apart of the Lions defensive gameplan but he was handed a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. When he returns, it will be interesting to see how the Lions utilize him as they will need to see if he’s up to game speed.