Detroit Lions Mailbag: Should the Lions pay both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch?
The 2025 NFL Draft is next week, and Detroit Lions fans have a lot of questions on their minds. Let's answer them. 100% I do. It might seem like finding safeties is easy to do, and to some degree, that might be true, but having two of probably the top five safeties in the league […]
The 2025 NFL Draft is next week, and Detroit Lions fans have a lot of questions on their minds. Let's answer them.
100% I do. It might seem like finding safeties is easy to do, and to some degree, that might be true, but having two of probably the top five safeties in the league at the same time is nearly impossible.
Joseph isn't just a guy who got lucky with some interceptions, he's also good at everything else he does on the field. His anticipation is elite level, and you don't want to lose that.
Branch's versatility is a huge asset for this team. A guy who can play anywhere in the secondary and do it really well is just someone you don't want to lose.
While you might have upwards of $150 million tied into just your starting safeties, it's worth it to have two of the best defensive players in the game at the same time.
That makes a lot of sense on its face. If the Lions could grab a Grey Zabel or Donovan Jackson at 28, why not do that and see what you can get edge rusher-wise later?
The only thing that makes you think is that maybe the Lions feel more secure about their interior offensive line right now than we think. Christian Mahogany seems destined for a starting role, and they still seem to believe in Graham Glasgow. Then there's the possibility of moving Giovanni Manu to guard, and you still have Kayode Awosika too.
If that's the case, you can see a world where maybe they wait a little bit on that position and go edge or receiver in the first round.
The ceiling is a 2,000-yard season. People might think I'm crazy on that since the Lions also have David Montgomery, but this team seems all in on running the ball with Gibbs more in 2025 just based off thier hire of Tashard Choice, moving Montgomery to receiving coach where he can get them blocking more and Dan Cambell's desire to be a run first team. Gibbs is that good.
The floor is another 1,000-yard plus season with 5-10 touchdowns.
At receiver, it's Illinois' Pat Bryant all the way. He fits the Lions offense in its existing form so well. He can be the X receiver this team has needed and brings the contested catch and fight for yards grit that Detroit loves, but also brings the willingness and the want to block, which Detroit loves even more.
At edge, I like Nic Scourton from Texas A&M a lot because of how young he is. I think he's got a way to go before he reaches his top potential, and he's already pretty good. Lots of second contract potential with some third contract potential in there too.
At guard, it's Jackson Slater from Sacramento State. I know it's a smaller school, but this guy has been great for the last few years. He hasn't allowed a sack since 2022. He's allowed 13 total pressures in the last two seasons.
Interior defensive line, I like Derrick Harmon from Oregon. There's some versatility there for him to play inside and outside.
At safety, I like Jonas Sanker from Virginia. The good news is that the Lions do too. He has some possibility to be that Melifonwu type guy who can rush the passer.
Mike, confidence level in young OL prospects on roster and how it might affect draft?
— KungFu_Sims (@kungfu-sims.bsky.social) April 15, 2025 at 10:12 AM
I think the confidence really lies in what Giovanni Manu is able to do. If he switches to guard and takes to it really well, he is a monster there. Christian Mahogany seems ready to go and ready to be a starter in the NFL.
Coldby Sorsdal is likely on borrowed time at this point. It just hasn't worked out for him at either guard or tackle. This summer is going to be the real telling point for him.
Kingsely Eguakun is one to really keep an eye on because he might surprise everyone and be the heir apparent to Frank Ragnow when that time comes. There's a lot of upside with him, and if he can build off what he showed last year, he could maybe find himself on the 53-man roster in 2025.
The Lions and the Vikings are in positions to do each other favors again at the 2025 NFL Draft
We've talked a lot about the possibility of the Detroit Lions trading up in the 2025 NFL Draft. We've even specified two trade partners that make a lot of sense for trading in the Arizona Cardinals and the Washington Commanders. One team that didn't really occur to me is a team the Lions have traded […]
