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Notes: Why Former NFL GM Thinks Lions Add Safety in 2025 Draft

Mike Tannenbaum believes Starks will fit nicely with Lions secondary.

John Maakaron

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24).
Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24). / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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The Detroit Lions have two of the best young safeties in the NFL in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Joseph was a first-team All-Pro selection, while Branch earned Pro Bowl honors in his first season playing the position.

Though Detroit has a pair of top talents in this area, ESPN analyst and former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum doesn't think the Lions should stop there. In his most recent mock draft, Tannenbaum selected Georgia safety Malaki Starks on behalf of Detroit.

During a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Tannenbaum explained exactly why he sees the Lions adding another player at the safety position.

“I think he fits in with those guys (Branch and Joseph) they got. I see him a lot like Brian Branch,” Tannenbaum told reporters. “I just think of like what have Brad (Holmes) and Dan (Campbell) done, they have taken productive players from big schools. Malaki Starks is a productive player from a big school who is very smart and very versatile."

The Lions do face questions about both players futures, as Joseph is in the final year of his rookie deal and Branch will have one more year remaining after 2025. Detroit's defense was also decimated by injury throughout last season, highlighting the need for reliable depth.

Additionally, general manager Brad Holmes has been known to spurn need and positional value in favor of drafting the best player available. With Starks widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the class, he could certainly be in play for the Lions in April if he's available at the 28th pick.

Here is a collection of other headlines surrounding the Detroit Lions on March 26.

1.) Projected top NFL Draft pick and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter had Lions legendary wide receiver Calvin Johnson on his podcast earlier in the week.

2.) The Detroit Free Press graded each of the Lions' free agent signings from the first wave of the offseason.

3.) The Detroit Lions' team website released a prospect profile on Marshall defensive end Mike Green.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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