This is the sixth of a seven-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ potential needs and prospects to watch heading into the 2025 NFL combine, which kicks off next week in Indianapolis. Today: Cornerback/Safety| Previously: Quarterback | Wide receiver | Offensive line/tight end | Linebacker / Defensive line/EDGE

NEED

The Detroit Lions spent their first two picks in last year’s draft on Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., two of the most coveted cornerbacks in the draft. Because of this, adding another player at the position isn’t a necessity in the first two rounds.

That said, targeting a talent in the third round could be a smart move, using the compensatory pick they received from the Jets hiring Aaron Glenn. Arnold showed flashes last season that he can become an above-average starter, but he still needs some seasoning.

With the verdict still out on what Rakestraw can become, along with the possibility of losing Carlton Davis III in free agency, expect the Lions to add another player at this position they can develop.

Now, when it comes to safeties, things can get a bit tricky. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph proved to be the best two-man tandem at the position last season, so for now, the Lions are set. But similar to their cornerback situation, Ifeatu Melifonwu could be on his way out of Detroit. Add to that the financial burden of keeping both Branch and Joseph, and looking at a safety they can develop into a starter or key rotational player becomes a good idea.

Top Prospects

Malakai Starks, S, Georgia

Since his freshman year, Malakai Starks has been regarded as one of the best safeties in the SEC, if not all of college football. He was a consensus All-American in 2023, earned first-team All-American honors this past season, and was a key player in Georgia’s success over the years.

The ball-hawking safety finished this past season with 52 solo tackles, three passes defended, and one interception. He’s an elite-level safety with a reputation for doing damage when matching up against opponents in the slot.

Will Johnson, DB, Michigan

Projected in many mocks to be the first cornerback selected, Will Johnson has proven to be an absolute stud during his time at Michigan. He’s a textbook lockdown cornerback who thrives in zone coverage.

Because of that, his stats don’t jump off the board, but best believe he passes the eye test, racking up All-American and All-Big Ten honors yearly while playing in Ann Arbor.

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Jahdae Barron is the best cornerback in the draft when it comes to man coverage, and he proved it time and time again during his final season as a Longhorn. He tallied 46 solo tackles, 11 passes defended, five interceptions, one fumble recovery, and a sack.

Add to that the fact he was a consensus All-American and a Jim Thorpe Award recipient — given to the nation’s top defensive back — and Barron cemented himself as one of the elite players in this year’s draft.

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

If you need a physically imposing press corner who also excels in man and zone coverage, look no further than Benjamin Morrison.

Experts say adding some extra strength would bode well for him, but his overall technique makes him a viable candidate to watch. His stock could rise with a solid showing in Indianapolis.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The West Bloomfield native earned a pair of second-team All-SEC honors during his time at Kentucky, and rightfully so. His instincts and playmaking abilities—particularly in zone coverage—have him touted as one of the most talented at his position in all of college football last season.

His final season for the Wildcats saw him tally 15 solo tackles, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, a sack, and an interception.

Potential Lions Fits

Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

It’s no secret that Lions general manager Brad Holmes loves selecting players from Alabama. Setting that affinity aside, Malachi Moore in Detroit makes too much sense because of his skills.

Similar to his former Alabama teammate Brian Branch, Moore is a versatile defender who can play either safety spot as well as nickel. He’s not known for his speed, but he’s a high-IQ player with little trouble bringing players down.

Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

This former Buckeye is known not only for his instincts but also for his ability to play well in zone or man coverage. Last season at Ohio State, Denzel Burke had two interceptions, two passes defended, and 37 tackles.

As mentioned, the verdict is still out on Ennis Rakestraw, and adding a corner with excellent ball skills is a need for Detroit. He projects to be an NFL starter one day. Why not pair him with Terrion Arnold as a duo for years to come?

Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas

Versatile, physical, and excelling in man coverage, Cobee Bryant has been a first-team All-Big 12 selection for the past three seasons. The Lions could steal Bryant at some point on Day 2, developing a player with a “Mamba Mentality.”

He turned in four interceptions and seven passes defended during his final season at Kansas. Bryant will need time to develop, but he could be an option for Detroit at nickel after next season if the Lions don’t extend Amik Robertson.

Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Azareye’h Thomas fits the mold of a Dan Campbell-type player. He’s a high-IQ, physical cornerback, known for punishing opponents with sound tackling.

He has great spatial awareness and is a disruptor of 50-50 balls. Projected as a third-rounder, Thomas could land in Detroit and have time to groom into a potential starter while still being effective in the rotation from Day 1.

Nohl Williams, CB, Cal

A 2024 consensus All-American, Nohl Williams was dominant in his final season at Cal, registering seven interceptions, eight passes defended, a fumble recovery, and 33 solo tackles.

He is another cornerback who is extremely physical with receivers, to the point where it appears he’s bullying them. With great ball skills, sound man coverage ability, and potential as a special teams returner, he could be a valuable asset for Detroit.