After the Detroit Lions received news that Brian Branch would be out for the year with a torn Achilles suffered against the Dallas Cowboys, one thing should have become immediately clear for fans: the team has to take a safety in the 2026 NFL draft.
There aren't many options at safety once we're past many mock drafts in the first round, headed into this year's class, which means the Lions should stand pat and take a position of need in the first round - an edge rusher or, even better, someone to shore up their guard or tackle room.