5 Safeties Lions Should Watch at NFL Combine
The Detroit Lions appeared to have found a gem late in the 2023 season in safety Ifeatu Melifonwu.
A converted cornerback, Melifonwu became a major asset to the Lions' defense with his ability to blitz. He and Kerby Joseph will both return, giving Detroit two solid options at the position.
Additionally, the team could elect to bring back veteran Ceedy Duce after his first season with the organization was shortened due to injury.
Regardless, the Lions have proven that they prioritize fit over need in the NFL Draft under general manager Brad Holmes. As a result, they could elect to seek out safety help in April.
Here are five safeties the Lions should keep an eye on at the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins next week in Indianapolis.
Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Nubin is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the Draft and is widely viewed as the top safety prospect. He can play tough against the run and has the coverage skills to shut down opposing passers.
He logged 13 career interceptions at Minnesota and 207 tackles, a sign of his ability to contribute in all areas of the defense. Nubin also varied his alignment within the defense, logging 198 snaps in the box in 2023.
The defender is a strong, physical player who also can generate turnovers. He projects more as a free safety, but being capable to come down and play in the box against the run will make him all the more appealing as a prospect.
Calen Bullock, USC
Bullock is more of a traditional roaming free safety, as he plays the position with range and athleticism. He does a solid job of tracking deep throws and is a ballhawk with nine career interceptions.
However, the USC product is more long and lean than compact, meaning there will be natural concerns about how his frame will hold up with the physicality of the position.
Bullock's ball skills will be coveted, and he has the athleticism to really impress at the Combine. He has also put good performances against the run on tape, and his footwork will translate at the NFL level.
Still, his size and wiry frame are concerning as he takes the next step. His athleticism and a good display at the Combine could put some of those concerns to rest.
Cole Bishop, Utah
If the Lions elect to seek out a more physical type of safety, Bishop may be the answer. Specializing in run defense, the Utah product logged 6.5 tackles for loss in 2023 and 21 total in his career.
Bishop recorded a 67.5 PFF run defense grade and lined up in the box for 180 snaps last season with the Utes. He doesn't have as much production in pass-coverage, with three career interceptions.
Still, the defender is physical and would fit Detroit's scheme. He plays powerful in the run game and could be a good fit in the defensive backfield rotation early in his career.
Tykee Smith, Georgia
Rather than a true safety, Smith spent plenty of time as the Bulldogs' nickel. He has the agility to play in coverage and is physical enough to mix it up against the run.
Smith had four interceptions in 2023 for the Bulldogs, and eight total in a five-year collegiate career that began at West Virginia.
The big knock on Smith is his size, as he is listed at just 5-foot-10. He's agile but doesn't have the best foot speed, which shows up against faster wide receivers. The reps in Indy will be important for him as he competes with the best of the best.
Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
Mustapha could be one of the most impressive athletes at the Combine and was on The Athletic's 'Freaks List.' He played a predominant amount of snaps in the box, logging over 300 snaps in that area for the Deacons.
That physicality has shown itself on his tape, as he's not hesitant to come up and deliver a big hit. He also has blitzing capabilities, which the Lions were able to utilize with Ifeatu Melifonwu in 2023.
He's been logged at 23 MPH in-game, meaning he plays with elite speed on defense. With his athletic traits and physicality, he could be a solid late-round fit for the Lions' scheme.
