The Detroit Lions could stand to be a bit more concerned about their safety room headed into the 2026 season.
With Brian Branch likely out for some time after suffering an Achilles injury late in 2025, and Kerby Joseph having dealt with a nagging knee injury throughout last season, it was important for the Lions to find reliable depth at the safety position to avoid another disappointing year from their defense.
In free agency, they somewhat addressed this problem by signing Christian Izien and Chuck Clark, and re-signing versatile CB Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox. The draft could, theoretically, could provide Detroit some options at safety, but it all depends on how far certain prospects fall. An ideal candidate is former Arizona Wildcats DB Treydan Stukes, who is 32nd on FanSided's 2026 Big Board.
However, in ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid's final mock draft, the Chicago Bears end up snagging Stukes at 57th overall, while the Lions stick to taking one of the only starting-caliber pass rushers in this year's draft in Derrick Moore. Reid said of Stukes:
"Both of the Bears' starting safeties from last season are gone, so Stukes could make an immediate impact. He has a knack for finding the ball (seven interceptions in two seasons) and can transition to free safety after playing primarily nickel in college."
Lions fans could riot if Bears land Stukes at 57th overall
Detroit is in a tough spot in this mock draft. If they swing on a defensive back like Stukes or a cornerback like D'Angelo Ponds too early, they could then lose their shot at taking a pass rusher in the 3rd round as they have no picks there.
But, if they pass up on the best player available to take the best pass rusher available at 50th overall, they could see talent like Stukes fall into the hands of head coach Ben Johnson.
Schefter: One GM said he'd draft S Treydan Stukes ahead of Caleb Downs:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 20, 2026
"One of the best safeties I've seen [in my time as a GM]." pic.twitter.com/fqO863u70O
READ MORE: Lions could shake up entire offensive line without drafting a tackle
It's why general manager Brad Holmes has a bit of a point in his approach to the draft, which is to say, it's fair of him to target the best talent on the board as opposed to trying to fill a need, and potentially swinging too high on a prospect.
This could be remedied by a draft pick swap or draft day trade, one which could land the Lions back in the 3rd round where they could take a less-prepared edge rusher, but would ensure they can take a top defender at 50th overall. If they can prevent a team like Chicago from improving their defense by stealing someone like Stukes from them, it's a huge win for their chances at taking back the division.
That would certainly feel like a huge draft win.
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