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The Detroit Lions may have to make a move to cut a brand new player before he even get the chance to play a game.
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes embarked on a multi-year project to revamp the team’s secondary, taking a unit that once ranked near the bottom of the NFL and turning it into a strong point on a Super Bowl-caliber defense.
There could still be more work to do, with one outlet suggesting the Lions make another major addition next year. Pro Football Network’s Max Dorsey predicted the Lions would take South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore in the 2026 NFL draft, adding a versatile and athletic defensive back who could be plugged anywhere in the secondary.
Lions Find Help for Brian Branch
Dorsey noted that the Lions could use another strong athlete to play opposite star Brian Branch, who emerged as the team’s top player in the secondary. Kilgore, who is expected to be one of the top safeties in next year’s NFL draft, could provide some key depth behind Branch and fellow starter Kerby Joseph.
“The Detroit Lions have vastly improved their secondary over the past few offseasons, but could still use another safety alongside Brian Branch. While South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore has a similar skill set, he has the versatility to play any position in the secondary,” Dorsey wrote.
Dorsey added that the Lions would not be able to pass on Kilgore’s athleticism and aggressiveness, traits that are highly valued by head coach Dan Campbell.
“Kilgore is a monster athlete and one of the most versatile prospects in this class,” Dorsey wrote. “He’s lined up everywhere for the Gamecocks, playing free safety, single high, down in the box, and at nickel. He’s physical in the run game and rangey in the passing game, and can play many roles at the next level.”
Lions Built Up Their Secondary
Reporter Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website noted that the Lions now have a major strength in their secondary, with talent across the safety and cornerback positions. The Lions are looking to win their third straight NFC North title and could lean heavily on their secondary to lead the way on defense.
“Detroit has the best safety duo in the NFL with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch,” Twentyman wrote. “They combined for 13 interceptions and 28 passes defended last year. Amik Robertson showed he can be one of the better nickel cornerbacks in the league, and he also offers the versatility to move outside if needed. D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold are proven man-cover corners, and the Lions expect Arnold in particular to take a huge leap in production heading into his second season. Detroit’s also got good veteran depth behind the starters at those three positions.”
Twentyman added that the Lions have leaned heavily on veterans in the secondary, which could provide an opening for a player like Kilgore to come along slowly if he joins the team next season.
“It’s a veteran group with position versatility that should be able to run any coverage schemes new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard wants to call,” Twentyman wrote. “This Lions secondary has a chance to take a big step forward in 2025.”
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
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