No Kerby Joseph, no Brian Branch — and safety still isn’t a concern for the Detroit Lions
Even with Kerby Joseph’s “we don’t know” update and Brian Branch’s early-season uncertainty, safety still isn’t the emergency spot people think for the Lions heading into camp.
There’s been a lot of fear coming from Detroit Lions fans after Dan Campbell’s latest update on Kerby Joseph.
The update wasn’t “it’s over,” and it wasn’t “he’ll be fine and back next week.” It was “We don’t know.” That actually feels a lot more concerning at this point because they’re going to find out at training camp, and if it doesn’t go well, the presumed thought is that the Lions are going to be in trouble.
On top of that, Detroit is expected to be without Brian Branch to start the season. But there have been some new things that have come to light that present the idea that they could potentially get him back sooner than you think.
Either way, all of this has pointed toward the idea that the Lions need to go out and try to trade for safety help or see what they can find in free agency. But the reality is that if there were a position the Lions didn’t need to worry about right now, it’s safety. Let’s talk about why.
Thomas Harper
We’re just not talking about Harper enough right now. Last year, he started nine games for the Lions, and he was really good in those starts. How good? He was Pro Football Focus’ 11th-highest-graded safety in the league. On top of that, his 75.9 coverage grade was 10th among all strong safeties.
We’re talking about a guy who could very well be a major breakout player for the Lions and should be expected to be the starter going forward if Joseph isn’t able to play this year or if he continues to struggle with injuries.
Chuck Clark
Clark has started 80 games in this league. His signing has been a bit undersold as him being a guy who is a veteran presence, and that’s about it. The reality is that Clark could very well be the starter opposite Harper to start the season, assuming Branch isn’t back. While he’s not as good as Branch, he plays a similar game in the sense that he’s good in run support, can pass rush when needed, and hits hard.
Avonte Maddox
Remember when we talked about Harper being the 11th-highest-graded safety on PFF? Well, Maddox was the 10th. His coverage grade is 12th. Maddox is pretty good. The best part of it is that he can play both safety spots, and the Lions can put him in the nickel as well.
Christian Izien
Izien had a down season last year, but in 2023 and 2024, he was good as a starter for the Buccaneers. Like Maddox, Izien can play cornerback and safety. Expect the Lions to do a lot with him at both positions in a rotational sense. He can start if needed.
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