Lions safety draft priority: Lower end. Holmes has expressed interest in re-signing Joseph, who led the NFL with nine interceptions last season and is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Branch has two years remaining on his rookie deal.
Joseph and Branch stayed relatively healthy last season but adding some young depth to that room isn’t a bad idea. New Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard values versatility in his defenders and Detroit likes to create a number of different packages with the safety group to maximize their skillset and versatility.
Five safeties who could fit the Lions:
1. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
6-3, 220. 4.38 40-yard dash
This one would probably require the Lions moving up in the first round because Emmanwori seems like a prospect who is climbing draft boards after an impressive pre-draft process that saw him register a 43-inch vertical and 11-foot-6 broad jump. He’s capable of playing in the box and over the top, and a creative defensive mind can have fun with his skillset.
