The Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are the NFL’s best safety duo. Last year, the pair accounted for 125 solo tackles, 13 interceptions, one sack, 16 pass defenses, a forced fumble, and a pick-six. However, with the pair setting such a high bar, it’s led to a fierce battle to secure a backup roster spot.
Detroit Lions’ Training Camp Battle For Backup Safety
Currently, six individuals are competing for a backup safety position. Morice Norris , Loren Strickland , and Erick Hallett return this season, and are joined by seventh-round draft pick Dan Jackson , free agent Avonte Maddox , and UDFA rookie Ian Kennelly.
The players who are standing out in the pre-season are Kennelly, Jackson, and Maddox. Both Kennelly and Jackson had a solid game against the Los Angeles Chargers , with each man recording six tackles.
Ian Kennelly -UDFA Rookie
Kennelly, a native of Michigan, played football for Grand Valley State University. His versatility and athleticism made him a standout at his Pro Day showing. Although he came into camp as a long shot to make the roster, Kennelly is making the most of his opportunity. The former GVSU Player of the Year and GVSU Skill Defensive Player of the Year, Kennelly, posted collegiate career totals of 174 tackles (95 solo), eight interceptions, 19 pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and three fumble returns.
In addition, Kennelly has experience as a punt returner, opening up an opportunity to make the Lions’ special teams. Kennelly played a strong, aggressive game against the Chargers and made plays all over the field. Tying for the highest number of tackles among the competing safeties, Kennelly landed one of the night’s hardest hits.
Dan Jackson-7th Round Rookie Draft Pick
Jackson also had a strong game against the Los Angeles teams. The 5’11 194 lb. Georgia Bulldogs’ rookie looked sharp on game day, playing on both special teams and defense. Named Third-team All-SEC in his senior year, recording 64 tackles, two interceptions, three pass defenses, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick. His speed is advantageous for special teams as a return specialist. Jackson played a strong game, matching Kennelly’s six tackles on Friday night.
Unfortunately for Jackson, after sustaining a leg injury on Sunday, he was placed on injured reserve. According to ESPN , Campbell was quoted as saying, “It looks like he’s going to be down for a while.”
Loren Strickland-Lions’ Backup Safety
Each of the three returning players spent time on the Lions’ practice squad last year. Strickland offers the most field experience. Signed by Detroit as an undrafted free agent last season, Strickland impressed the coaches in the preseason, making the 53-man roster out of training camp.
After appearing in seven games, he was waived in early December but re-signed to the Lions’ practice squad. In the preseason game against the Chargers, Strickland recorded two tackles.
Erick Hallet-Lions’ Backup Safety
Hallett played college ball for the Pittsburgh Panthers. A semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in college, Hallett was one of the Panthers’ top defenders. Selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round with the 208th pick of the 2023 NFL draft, he played on Jacksonville’s practice squad. Signed by Detroit in 2024, Hallett offers versatility and is being cross-trained at cornerback. Playing several reps in the cornerback position last week, Hallett accounted for four tackles.
Morice Norris-Lions’ Backup Safety
Norris was signed by Detroit as an undrafted free agent last August. He spent the majority of the year on the practice squad but was active for two games late in the season. Having seen limited action against the Chargers, Norris recorded one tackle.
Avonte Maddox-Free Agent Acquisition
A native of Detroit, Maddox attended college at Pittsburgh, specializing at cornerback. Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft (125th overall), Maddox made his NFL debut in Week 1 on special teams. The 5’8″ 184 lb. Maddox caught on quickly. In Week 3, he picked off Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and later that season, notched his second interception off former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff , helping the Eagles secure the win, 30–23.
Thus far in his NFL career, Maddox has appeared in 81 games (41 starts) and recorded 194 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, defended 36 passes, four interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He received a pass rush grade from PFF.com of 71.9. Coming from Philadelphia with a 2025 Super Bowl victory, padding his resume, Maddox’s ability to play both safety and cornerback only increases his value.
However, Maddox has one glaring concern: a consistent history of injuries throughout his NFL career. In his sophomore year, Maddox had a scary on-field collision with teammate Andrew Sendejo that resulted in his being carried off the field on a stretcher.
Over the next several years, injuries and illness caused him to miss multiple games. A knee injury placed him on the IR list in 2020. He was on the COVID list in 2021, and in 2022, he had another stint on injured reserve following a hamstring injury. An injured pec in Week 2 of 2023 caused him to miss most of the year until his return in late December.
Who Should Win the Battle For the Lions
Maddox is a talented veteran who brings experience, athleticism, and versatility. However, his tendency toward injury is a concern. Hallett’s versatility to play both cornerback and safety increases his usefulness. However, if Kennelly continues to play as aggressively as he’s shown thus far, the UDFA prospect has a good chance to make the roster.
Main Photo: [Junfu Han] – USA Today Sports
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