Detroit Lions 2026 Safety Mock Draft

My series of single-position Detroit Lions mock drafts is sticking to defense. I have already covered cornerbacks, linebackers, edge rushers, interior offensive linemen, and offensive tackles. This time, I am staying in the secondary and focusing on safeties. This year’s crop of safeties is deep, with potential starters available throughout the draft. It is an exciting position to cover for Detroit. So without further ado, I present my 2026 Detroit Lions Safety Mock Draft.

Safety Is A Surprising Need For Lions

One year ago, I never would have thought that the Lions would go into 2026 needing help at safety. Detroit may have the NFL’s best duo with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. But such is life in the NFL. Branch tore his Achilles tendon during the Lions’ Week 14 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. The gruesome injury will cost Branch most, if not all, of the 2026 season. Joseph, after signing a 4-year, $85 million contract extension in April, did not see the field after Week 6 due to a knee injury. Suffering from a chronic left knee condition, there is legitimate concern that Joseph’s remaining career will be shortened and/or severely impacted. 

Adding to the long-term concern at the position is Branch’s contract situation. The 2023 second-round pick is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal. Will Detroit be wary of committing premium money to a player coming off such a major injury? Branch has proven himself to be one of the best safeties in the league, but the upcoming extensions for fellow 2023 picks Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell might not leave enough money for Branch. Throw in the upcoming free agency of key reserve Avonte Maddox, who played admirably as an injury replacement, and the Lions are in jeopardy of having the back end of their defense in complete disarray. Luckily for Detroit, the 2026 Draft is loaded with quality safeties.

Round 1, Pick 17: Caleb Downs, Ohio State

If players were drafted on talent alone, Caleb Downs would be a surefire top-5 pick. Luckily for Detroit, NFL teams devalue the safety position. That said, there is almost no chance Downs will be available at 17, so a trade-up will probably be necessary. If he slides out of the top 10, GM Brad Holmes might pull the trigger. Downs, the 6’ 205-pound Jim Thorpe Award winner, will be a foundational piece for any defense lucky enough to draft him. The versatile Buckeye has ample experience playing deep, in the box, and in the slot. His ability to diagnose plays is unrivaled in this year’s class. Downs is heralded for his leadership qualities and was a unanimous All-American selection in 2025. Constantly communicating with his teammates, Downs is the type of defender who makes everyone around him better. Whether racking up INTs, forced fumbles, or PBUs, Downs has a knack for making big plays. His addition would immediately take the Lions’ entire defense up a notch or two.

Round 2: Pick 50: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

If Detroit doesn’t find a way to draft Downs, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman would be a wonderful consolation prize. The Second-Team All-American finished his career with 8 interceptions. Downs is a 6-foot, 205-pound thumper who can play all over the field. His instincts are elite, as he constantly flies to the ball in both passing and running plays. Thieneman would be a day-one starter for the Lions and has the talent to become a perennial Pro-Bowler. Dan Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard will love his tackling ability, as Thieneman racked up 306 career tackles during his time at Purdue and Oregon. A strong showing at the Combine will only add to his hype, and he may see his stock rise into the first round. As of now, Thieneman would make for a fantastic value for the Lions at pick 50.

Round 4, Pick 118: Genesis Smith, Arizona

Genesis Smith is a player who is flying up draft boards. He brings excellent size to the Safety position at 6’2 and 205 pounds. Smith’s ability to play either deep-safety spots or cover Tight Ends one-on-one makes him a perfect fit for Detroit’s defense. Smith finished his three seasons as a Wildcat with 164 tackles and five interceptions. Inconsistent technique in run-tackling is something he must improve to reach his high ceiling. However, Smith’s length and fluid movement make him an ideal target for the Lions. If he develops consistent run-stopping ability, Smith would be a steal in the fourth round.

Round 5, Pick 155: Louis Moore, Indiana

Louis Moore, fresh off the Hoosiers’ National Championship season, is another perfect fit for the Lions. The ball-hawking safety enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, with 48 total tackles and a whopping six interceptions. Moore, who will turn 25 before the draft, has starter upside. His terrific instincts and willingness to engage in run support can earn him playing time as a rookie. The impressive range Moore displays helps make up for his shorter arms and average lateral agility. He can follow in Branch’s footsteps by starting his career as a “big nickel” for Detroit and then transitioning to full-time safety once his game develops. 

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): VJ Payne, Kansas State

A Dan Campbell-type player, VJ Payne would bring loads of experience and physicality to the Lions’ defense. Boasting a 6’3’, 210-pound frame, Payne played over half of his snaps in the box at Kansas State, but also can play deep. With 34-inch arms, Payne’s long wingspan and sideline-to-sideline range make him an asset in nickel and dime packages. His versatile skillset could make him a valuable depth piece for a Lions secondary facing several question marks in 2026. If Davis can improve his pursuit angles and over-aggression against play-action, he could find a home in Detroit. 

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina

Jalen Kilgore has been a highly productive player for the Gamecocks. Earning Second-Team All-SEC honors in both years, Kilgore racked up seven picks and 15 PBUs over his 2024 and 2025 seasons. While he brings good size at 6’1, 211 pounds, and solid 4.48 speed, the versatile defender sometimes gambles too aggressively and exhibits stiff hips that leave him vulnerable when covering slot receivers. Compared to productive NFL safeties like Kyle Dugger and Jeremy Chinn, Kilgore has the chance to become a starter in the future if developed correctly. Another solid value pick for the Lions, Kilgore can provide depth and insurance while Detroit navigates the injuries to Branch and Joseph.

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Jakobe Thomas, Miami

The Lions close out their draft with Jakobe Thomas. The productive, 6’2, 200-pounder finished his final campaign at Miami with five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and six PBUs. His nose for the ball and playmaking ability make him a terrific developmental prospect for Detroit. Thomas excels as a box safety who plays with high-level instincts. Though a big-hitter, he tends to be a bit overaggressive, which leads to missed tackles. Thomas can be used as an effective blitzer, evidenced by his 3.5 sacks in 2025. There is a lot to like about his game. The potential to become a solid contributor is there, but the Lions would need to show patience as Thomas develops.

The NFL offseason is moving along at a lightning pace. With the Combine scheduled to begin on Monday, I will be working on more single-position mock drafts for the Lions over the weekend. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. Which of my picks do you like? Dislike? Which other prospects in this talented pool of safeties would you like to see the Lions draft? 

(Note: Picks are subject to change as the MFL has not yet announced compensatory selections, and trades involving draft picks are pending.)