The Detroit Lions did not draft a safety during the NFL Draft, as GM Brad Holmes stated it was not due to the health concerns of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Holmes expressed confidence in both players' recovery but noted that the decision was based on alignment with their draft strategy.
Key points
Lions did not draft a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft
Decision not related to health of Branch and Joseph
Both players recovering from season-ending injuries
"It wasn’t that we intentionally didn’t draft a safety because we feel good about them," Holmes said. "I feel like they’re both trending in the right direction, but it just didn’t line up, just like it hasn’t lined up at other positions in the past."
Both Branch and Joseph are returning from season-ending injuries and it's unclear if either will be on the field for the start of the regular season this fall.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (LB22) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates a Michigan State turnover during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Q&A
Why did the Detroit Lions not draft a safety in 2026?
The Lions' GM Brad Holmes explained that the decision was not related to the health of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, but rather a matter of draft alignment.
What is the health status of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph?
Both players are returning from season-ending injuries, and it is uncertain if they will be ready for the start of the regular season.
What positions did the Detroit Lions address in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Lions addressed every defensive position except for safety during the 2026 NFL Draft.
What did Brad Holmes say about the Lions' safety situation?
Holmes stated that he feels good about the safety position and believes both Branch and Joseph are trending in the right direction.
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Aug 31, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates a play in the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) reacts after a tackle against Wisconsin during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Washington wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (81) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) high fives fans before a game against Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Former Michigan Wolverines great Charles Woodson talks to linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) prior to the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates an interception against Washington during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) pressures Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (LB22) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) reacts after a tackle against Wisconsin during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
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Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Washington wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (81) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
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Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) high fives fans before a game against Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
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Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates an interception against Washington during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
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Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
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Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) pressures Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
When healthy, Branch and Joseph give the Lions one of the best safety tandems in the NFL. Branch made his first Pro Bowl in 2024 and had 75 tackles and 2½ sacks in 12 games last year. Joseph has 20 interceptions in 55 career games and was a first-team All-Pro selection two years ago.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), left, and safety Brian Branch (32) celebrate a play against Chicago Bears during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), left, and safety Brian Branch (32) celebrate a play against Chicago Bears during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.
The Lions signed Joseph to a long-term contract that made him the game's highest-paid safety last spring and hope to sign Branch to a similar deal this offseason.
"We didn’t ignore it [in the draft]," Holmes said. "There were some good ones that were out there that just got picked before we were able to, but it just didn’t quite line up. And I didn’t really think that class was as deep, either, so it had to line up and you had to strike right."