Is Detroit going to add one more playmaking safety?
Melifonwu, a former cornerback, developed into a valuable member of the Lions’ defense thanks to his blitzing skills. With his return, Detroit will have two reliable alternatives at the position in Kerby Joseph and him.
The squad may also decide to re-sign veteran Ceedy Duce, whose debut season with the team was cut short by injury.
Still, under general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions have demonstrated that they value fit over need in the NFL Draft. They could therefore decide to ask for safety assistance in April.
Five safeties that the Lions should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine, which starts in Indianapolis next week, are as follows:
Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin
Many consider Nubin to be the best safety prospect in the draft since he is one of the most versatile defensive backs. In addition to having the coverage abilities to stop opposing passes, he can play tough against the run.
The defender is a powerful, physically fit player with the ability to force errors. Although his projection is more toward free safety, his ability to play in the box against the run will increase his attractiveness as a prospect.
Calen Bullock of USC plays the position with range and athleticism, making him more of a conventional wandering free safety. With nine career interceptions, he is a ballhawk who tracks deep throws well.
But because the USC product is more long and thin than compact, there will understandably be questions about how his physique would fare given the physically demanding nature of the role.
Bullock possesses the athleticism to truly wow, and his ball skills will be highly sought after.
He recorded 207 tackles and 13 interceptions in his time at Minnesota, demonstrating his versatility as a defensive end lineman. Nubin, who played 198 plays in the box in 2023, also changed alignments within the defense.
in the NFL Combine. Additionally, he has demonstrated strong run defense performances on film, and the NFL will benefit from his footwork.
Even yet, as he advances, his small and thin frame are worrisome. His physical prowess and a strong performance at the Combine might allay some of those worries.
Utah’s Cole Bishop
Bishop might provide the Lions with a more tangible sense of security if they decide to go that route. The Utah product, who specializes in run defense, recorded 6.5 tackles for loss in 2023 and 21 in his career overall.
had three career interceptions in pass-coverage.
Nevertheless, the physical defender would work well in Detroit’s approach. Early in his career, he might be an excellent match in the defensive backfield rotation because of his powerful run-game ability.
Georgia’s Tykee Smith
Smith was the Bulldogs nickel for a considerable amount of the season rather than a pure safety. He is physically capable of mixing it up against the run and possesses the athleticism to play in coverage.
Smith started his college career at West Virginia and finished with eight interceptions overall, including four for the Bulldogs in 2023.
Smith’s size—he is only 5-foot-10 on the official height chart—is his biggest weakness. Despite his agility, he lacks the fastest footwork, which makes him appear slower than
Bishop lined up in the box on 180 snaps last season with the Utes, recording a 67.5 PFF run defense grade. His output isn’t as high as it
Mustapha Malik, Wake Forest
Mustapha was listed on The Athletic’s “Freaks List” and is perhaps one of the Combine’s most outstanding athletes. He played the majority of the Deacons’ snaps in the box, totaling more over 300 snaps there.
His tape demonstrates this physicality since he doesn’t hesitate to jump up and drop a huge hit. Additionally, the Lions were able to use his blitzing skills in 2023 with Ifeatu Melifonwu.
His in-game speed record is 23 mph, indicating that he plays defense with exceptional quickness. Given his physical attributes and athletic makeup, he might be a good late-round pick for the Lions.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Your welcome 😃