Identifying which safeties the Detroit Lions should be keeping an eye on during the 2025 NFL Combine.
The 2025 NFL Combine is scheduled to be televised from Thursday, February 27 through Sunday, March 2, and we’re previewing every position group leading up to the big event.
So far, we have already previewed which quarterbacks , running backs , wide receivers , tight ends , offensive tackles , interior offensive linemen , interior defensive linemen , edge rushers , linebackers , and cornerbacks the Detroit Lions should be scouting. In this article, we close out the series by identifying the safety prospects that should be on the radar of general manager Brad Holmes.
Of note: Safeties will take place in on-field drills on NFL Network on Friday, February 28.
Team need
The Lions return both starting safeties from last season with Brian Branch signed through 2026 and Kerby Joseph in the final year of his deal—though a contract extension could happen this offseason. Ifeatu Melifonwu is an unrestricted free agent, but the Lions have three young safeties—Morice Norris, Loren Strickland, and Erick Hallett—ready to compete for depth roles.
While the Lions are looking good with an All Pro and Pro Bowler in the starting lineup, they could still add to the position for a variety of reasons, including insurance depth, a developmental prospect, or a third “starting level” safety who could help expand their secondary with heavier subpackages.
What skills to watch for during on-field drills
While a lot of the same traits we discussed with the cornerbacks’ group apply here—are they balanced through their hips and how fluid are they when unlocking their hips?—there are a few differences. For example, the biggest thing that will separate safeties is their ability to click and close, so any drill that highlights a change of direction will be helpful in understanding a player’s positional range.
Malaki Starks, NB/FS, Georgia (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) was a three-year starter on an impressive Georgia defense, starting as a freshman due to his high football IQ, positional range, and ability to make impact plays. While he has the range to play both safety spots in the Lions’ split-zone scheme, his most exciting spot is in the slot. Starks is a fluid athlete who glides in coverage, lives comfortably in space due to his confidence and rangy playmaking skills. He’s a clean tackler who closes downhill in a hurry and cleverly avoids blocks. These skills also translate to special teams where he can be a regular contributor if limited to a third safety role.
Personally, I like Starks as a first rounder, but after a 2024 season that was up and down due to giving up some big plays, some draft analysts have soured on him a bit. Add in the fact that the league has devalued the safety position of late, and Starks could be a fun option for the Lions to add to a stacked safety room.
Nick Emmanwori, SAF/Cover LB, South Carolina (6-foot-3, 225) has a rare size-speed-athleticism combination for the position, making him an appealing, movable option for NFL teams. He trusts his eyes in coverage, has terrific range, and likes to blow up his targets. That physical nature translates well at the next level but his best asset is his positional versatility. Capable of playing in the two-deep, or in the box as a “cover” linebacker, he can match up one-on-one with tight ends, but will likely struggle with quicker slot receivers as his big frame makes changing direction quickly a challenge.
Xavier Watts, FS (Single-High), Notre Dame (5-foot-11, 203) moved around the Irish’s roster during his time in South Bend, trying his hand at both offense and as a cover linebacker before settling in at safety. His experiences have led to him being comfortable playing two-deep (including split-zone), at single-high, as well as in the slot. Regardless of where he lines up, he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He has super instincts for all three safety roles, reads-and-reacts quickly, and has the eyes/anticipation and range to make plays all over the field. Watts does need to find better balance in run support so that he can secure his tackles.
Lathan Ransom, S/Box, Ohio State (6-foot-0, 211) is a very physical split-zone safety who can situationally shift into a big nickel role when matching up with tight ends. He has the range to drop back into single-high looks, but teams would rather keep him closer to the box where he can be more impactful. Smart and instinctive, Ransom rarely hesitates in his decision making and is aggressive in his pursuit. He plays downhill versus the run and strikes with purpose. His physical nature threatens any offensive player who travels over the middle of the field—though he may need to work on his wrap up technique at the NFL level. Ransom has the skills to be a special teams ace (he blocked two punts at OSU) and is always striking at the ball looking to force turnovers.
Malachi Moore, NB/FS, Alabama (5-foot-11, 199) is a two-time captain for the Tide, playing at the STAR position, taking on the role that players like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Brian Branch manned in Alabama. A natural split-zone safety who thrives in coverage due to his intelligence, instincts, and ability to play in the open field. He has great ball skills, including locating and attacking, but his long speed can limit his range. He’s not a physical run supporter at the line of scrimmage, but he can set an edge and make tackles in space. His outburst at the end of the Vanderbilt game will need explaining.
Dante Trader Jr., NB/FS (Single-High), Maryland (5-foot-11, 196) is a multi-positional athlete capable of lining up in the slot, as a robber, in split-safety sets, and as a single-high safety. He’s best in coverage due to his ability to diagnose quickly, short area burst, range, and long speed. He loves to anticipate quarterbacks’ decisions, and more often than not he is rewarded for it, but it can also lead to him being out of position.
His ability to play press-man at the line of scrimmage allows him to match up well with tight ends, but he can also hang with running backs. He attacks the run downhill, and while he’s not a punishing hitter, he secures tackles with solid technique and is relentless in working to drag opponents down. He can set a firm edge, as well, something the Lions will take notice of. Detroit will also love his competitiveness, character, and the fact that there’s still room to grow as a player.
Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy (5-foot-10, 198), has started 43 straight games over the past four seasons. He is well-built for the safety position but lacks the coverage skills to play in the slot. He has plus instincts, quick feet, quick reaction time, fluidity in space, and decisive in his ability to diagnose from deep zones. He has terrific ball-hawking awareness and is a sound tackler in the open field. But where Lane will make his NFL living is on special teams, where he has a chance to reach elite levels, especially as a gunner. After drafting Sione Vaki for his special teams contributions last draft, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lions repeat that school of thought by targeting Lane on Day 3.