The 2026 NFL Draft has wrapped up, and the Detroit Lions added several new players to their roster, headlined by Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller, who was selected with the 17th overall pick.
Even with the new additions, many fans quickly pointed out that Detroit did not draft a safety. That decision sparked questions about the health of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, both of whom were sidelined by major injuries last season and together appeared in just 15 games during the 2025 campaign.
Despite the concerns, comments from general manager Brad Holmes suggest that the team is encouraged by the progress both defensive backs are making.
Brad Holmes Offers Encouraging Update
Holmes clarified that the team’s decision not to draft a safety was not necessarily a sign that Joseph and Branch are fully recovered. Instead, he explained that the draft simply did not unfold in a way that allowed Detroit to address that position.
According to Holmes, both players appear to be progressing well in their recoveries, but the Lions were not deliberately avoiding the position. He noted that several safeties the team liked were selected before Detroit had the opportunity to pick them. Holmes also mentioned that he did not view the safety class in this year’s draft as particularly deep, meaning the right opportunity never really presented itself.
When asked further about the situation, Holmes sounded confident about the direction both players are heading in, emphasizing that their recovery timelines are trending positively.
Injury Details From Last Season
Joseph and Branch combined to miss a total of 15 games last season. Joseph had been managing a lower-body issue that first surfaced during training camp, and his year came to an end after Week 6.
Branch’s injury occurred later in the season when he tore his Achilles tendon during a December matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, forcing him to miss the remainder of the year.
Earlier in the offseason, head coach Dan Campbell offered a somewhat uncertain update regarding Joseph’s recovery. Campbell explained that the team had been gradually working Joseph back into activity, closely monitoring how his body responded as he progressed through rehab. He indicated that the team hoped to have a clearer understanding of Joseph’s condition after additional time had passed.
Before his season was cut short, Joseph had produced a strong start to the year, recording 18 total tackles, three interceptions, and four passes defended.
Lions’ 2026 Draft Class
Detroit ultimately stayed put with its first-round selection rather than moving up the board and used the pick on Miller. The Clemson lineman has already visited the team’s practice facility in Allen Park, where he met with Campbell and members of the media.
The Lions later added two players from the Michigan Wolverines program, selecting edge rusher Derrick Moore and linebacker Jimmy Rolder.
Detroit continued to build depth by drafting cornerback Keith Abney II from Arizona State Sun Devils and wide receiver Kendrick Law out of Kentucky Wildcats.
Later selections included defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders and another defensive tackle, Tyre West from the Tennessee Volunteers, rounding out Detroit’s draft class.
