The latest in the “prospect for every round” at one position moves to the defensive backfield, where the Detroit Lions are definitely in the market for a safety.
Entering April, safety remains the most urgent need on the entire roster. Bringing free agent Tracy Walker back solidifies one starting spot, but on a defense that is looking to often play three safeties at a time, the other two current projected starters are Will Harris and Brady Breeze, with special teams ace C.J. Moore the only notable challenger.
Projecting the Lions current 53-man roster
The good news is that this is a very good draft class to need a safety — or two. There are several prospects who can step right into Aaron Glenn’s base split-safety scheme, or work into one of the 3-safety roles with long-term upside better than what Detroit currently employs.
The purpose here isn’t to advocate for or against any specific player. This is about presenting the options that are likely available to the Lions (and other NFL teams) at the position in each round. We’ll go through the options at each position, and we’ll also include projections for the fourth round, where the Lions do not currently hold a pick. Consider the fourth-rounder as the player the Lions would consider with the No. 97 overall pick at the end of the third.