NFL Combine Standouts For Detroit Lions’ Ailing Secondary

Brad Holmes’ typical draft strategy is selecting the Best Player Available (BPA) regardless of position, when the Lions are on the board. But this year, with so many positions needing help, he might have to alter his strategy. One critical area of need is Detroit’s depleted secondary. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, the NFL’s best safety duo, are still recovering from injuries, and their return dates are uncertain. Now, with Terrion Arnold’s potential legal issues looming, the Lions’ entire starting secondary could be unavailable.

NFL Combine Standouts For Detroit Lions’ Ailing Secondary

Suddenly, instead of the Lions using first or second round picks to draft a much-needed offensive lineman or a top-rated edge rusher, shoring up the secondary might be the number one priority. Here are three strong draft prospects who could meet the Lions’ needs.

Detroit Lions Secondary Options:

Dillon Thieneman, Oregon, Safety (Junior)

Why Thieneman Is A Great Selection For Detroit

Thieneman possesses a rare blend of superior athleticism, high football IQ, and a relentless motor. A gifted competitor who rises to the occasion when he’s under pressure to perform, Thieneman could be an immediate playmaker for the Lions. An absolute gem of a pick for Detroit.  

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo, Safety (Senior)

 At 6’3” tall and 201 lbs. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren came into the Combine as a highly rated prospect. During his collegiate career, he recorded 214 career tackles, five interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and nine forced fumbles. A semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, he received invitations to the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Despite finishing with an underwhelming 13th-ranked Athleticism score at the Combine,  McNeil Warren nonetheless finished with an overall score of 81. That score ranked him 3rd among participating safeties. While McNeil-Warren doesn’t have Thieneman’s elite athleticism, he scored high in production and uses his rangy build and long arm span for maximum tackling effectiveness.  

Zierlein highlighted his ability to “anticipate well in coverage,” noting that he’s “urgent in run support and has a feel for slipping blocks/ meeting runners early in the carry.”

In addition to his fumble-forcing talent, McNeil Warren also delivered an outstanding 37-yard pick-six in a 2025 game against Western Kentucky.

Why McNeil-Warren Could Be A Fit For Detroit

It was reported that the Lions met with McNeil-Warren in Indianapolis, so clearly, he is on their radar.  His lack of athleticism is a limitation. McNeil-Warren won’t be leaping up in the end zone to snatch footballs out of thin air like Kerby Joseph. However, he could be highly effective in forcing turnovers on the ground. McNeil-Warren is projected as a first-round selection.  

Lorenzo Styles, Ohio State, Safety (Senior)

Entering the Combine as a relative unknown, Lorenzo Styles was the 216th overall prospect according to CBS Sports.  However, an exceptional performance at the NFL Combine should definitely raise his standing. 

Apparently, the spirit of brotherly competition runs strong in the Styles household. One day, after his younger brother, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, excelled at the Combine, Lorenzo made his own mark as a cornerback. The elder Styles shocked onlookers with a blistering 4.27 40-yard dash. His elite performance ranks as the fastest 40-yard dash by a safety in more than 20 years. To complete his exceptional day, Styles recorded a 39” vertical jump, which placed fourth best among participating safeties.      

Styles actually began his collegiate career as a wide receiver at Notre Dame. During the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, the 6’0″ 194 lb. standout was the team’s leading receiver with eight catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. Despite his efforts, the Fighting Irish lost to Oklahoma State by a score of 37-35.    

During his two years at Notre Dame, he recorded 54 receptions for 684 yards with two touchdowns and another 86 yards rushing. However, at the end of the 2022 season, Style entered the transfer portal to join his brother at Ohio State. 

It was while he was at Ohio State that he made the transition from wide receiver to defensive back. During the 2023 season, he played only on special teams.  The following year, playing as a defensive back, he recorded 16 tackles and four pass deflections.  Styles enters the 2026 Draft as a safety with limited playing experience.  Although he scored an impressive 80 on his Athleticism score, his Combine Production score was a disappointing  57.  Zierlein noted Styles’  improvement at playing DB; however, he signaled that his “tight hips and lack of route recognition are a double whammy.”

Why Styles Might Be A Developmental Project For Detroit

Styles, Jr. is not an early-round pick and he likely won’t be a Day 1 starter. Despite his flashes of brilliant athleticism and instinctive talent, his lack of experience at safety counts against him. Styles’s lack of fundamentals categorizes him as a “developmental project” for the team that drafts him. However, his competitiveness and dogged determination to improve, indicate a player who will put forth a maximum effort. If the Lions were to draft him as a later-round selection, he could become an impact player on special teams.