The Detroit Lions‘ 2024-25 season wrapped up in pretty much the worst way possible. The team, of course, lost in their first playoff game of the postseason, at home, to the Washington Commanders. It was a huge upset, and in the spirit of that word, it was upsetting, too. But, now, that’s all behind the Lions, and it’s time to look forward.
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It can be difficult to be optimistic, though, after losing in the playoffs like that. Plus, this is a team that’s never been to the big game, so let’s just say there a history of being disappointed, which makes it even harder.
But, heading into the 2025-26 season, the Lions keep getting good news. Just a few days ago, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler asked NFL executives, coaches and scouts to rank the top 10 running backs in the NFL, and Jahmyr Gibbs was ranked No. 3 overall on the tally, just behind Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, so that was a great thing. Now, two of the Lions’ player have made an elite tally, and it’s more good news.
More Positive News for the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have done something pretty historic. In a piece published on Thursday, July 10, by Josh Fowler of ESPN, a collection of NFL execs, coaches and scouts rank the best safeties in the league.
“Voters gave us their 10 best players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen,” Fowler notes in the feature.
The Lions actually have not one but two players in the top 10, and they’re the only team who can say that this season. The first is Brian Branch, ranked No. 2 in the NFL. He was No. 1 last season, but No. 2 is still fantastic.
“Branch entered the elite in 2024 with four interceptions and 16 pass deflections, the latter ranking tops among safeties,” Fowler states. “His 21.1% ball-hawking rate is second-best among safeties with 50 or more targets.” Later in the piece, Fowler added that “multiple scouts say he’s elite in passing concept recognition, which allows him to be around the ball despite lack of top-end speed.”
“I love Branch due to instincts and versatility,” an AFC executive told Fowler. “He’s been asked to do a lot in two years in Detroit and he’s handled it all.”
Another Stellar Safety for the Lions
Also in the top 10 is Kerby Joseph at No. 5. “His ball production is what sets him apart,” Fowler states. “Opposing quarterbacks had a 29.2 passer rating when targeting Joseph, who led the NFL this past season with nine interceptions. His 36.4% ball-hawking rate led all safeties who were targeted more than 30 times.”
“He has the stuff you can’t teach as far as the chance-taking that helps create turnovers but doesn’t hurt the framework of the defense,” an NFC scout told Fowler. “He’s good at taking calculated risks. You’ve got to give him credit. He’s worked hard for his opportunity.”
So, it’s exciting that the Lions can rest easy knowing they really have the most elite safety due in the NFL heading into the new season.
