Clark has split more than 4,000 snaps nearly evenly between deep safety and box alignments. He’s also banked more than 500 reps at the line of scrimmage.
Clark is a good signing. A starting caliber safety to hold the fort down while Branch recovers and is insurance for Kirby. If nothing else, he provides competition. I can't imagine the Lions view him as a 17-game starter, but he has done it before, so excellent insurance for our immediate needs.
Unpopular opinion. I would like a safety in 1st or 2nd round. Especially if a stud is on the board. Lions were at their best when Branch/Kirby (and Iffy) were playing at a high level.
After hearing Brad's recent appearance on Justin's forum, I'm buying into Allen Park's belief that they can live with Sewell (LT) and Borom (RT). Likewise, they think enough of Wonnum (matched up with a 3rd down pass rusher in the draft) to let the need for an Edge ride until R2 or later. That clearly opens the door for them to draft a top tier Saftey, (1) if he's there at 17, or (2) if they don't have a RT on their value sheet at 17, or (3) no top-tier Edge rusher is there either.
Would you take a lower rated tackle over a higher rated safety in round 1? Based on a few mocks, ( which I know is ridiculous) all the best tackles might be selected. But I would love a great tackle in round 1.
`To a point, yes. If the top 5 or 6 tackles are gone, including Blake Miller, I would consider a safety in round 1. Or, if Caleb Downs slides that far without trading up, I would take him for sure. I'd be happy with guys like Kilgore from South Carolina, Ramsey from USC, Bud Clark A&M or TCU, or Moore from Iniana at 118 or 128.
Experienced player who has played for good programs. He could be a good guy to mentor the younger players back there, like Jackson and any draft picks at that position.
Probably should have worked this into the story, but Clark has always been viewed as a great tackler. That's a different skill set than some of the other contenders for those jobs, if/when Branch/Joseph sit.
Clark is a good signing. A starting caliber safety to hold the fort down while Branch recovers and is insurance for Kirby. If nothing else, he provides competition. I can't imagine the Lions view him as a 17-game starter, but he has done it before, so excellent insurance for our immediate needs.
Unpopular opinion. I would like a safety in 1st or 2nd round. Especially if a stud is on the board. Lions were at their best when Branch/Kirby (and Iffy) were playing at a high level.
BPA... If it happens to be a dude in the secondary that will easily start for the next 5 years over or alongside Branch and Kerby, so it be it.
After hearing Brad's recent appearance on Justin's forum, I'm buying into Allen Park's belief that they can live with Sewell (LT) and Borom (RT). Likewise, they think enough of Wonnum (matched up with a 3rd down pass rusher in the draft) to let the need for an Edge ride until R2 or later. That clearly opens the door for them to draft a top tier Saftey, (1) if he's there at 17, or (2) if they don't have a RT on their value sheet at 17, or (3) no top-tier Edge rusher is there either.
I agree. Not with the first round preferably where we need a tackle, bu picks 50, 118, or 128 should be at least one safety.
Would you take a lower rated tackle over a higher rated safety in round 1? Based on a few mocks, ( which I know is ridiculous) all the best tackles might be selected. But I would love a great tackle in round 1.
Holmes will trade up if the guy he wants hits 13.
`To a point, yes. If the top 5 or 6 tackles are gone, including Blake Miller, I would consider a safety in round 1. Or, if Caleb Downs slides that far without trading up, I would take him for sure. I'd be happy with guys like Kilgore from South Carolina, Ramsey from USC, Bud Clark A&M or TCU, or Moore from Iniana at 118 or 128.
Sure feels like this makes Maddox the odd man out. Not sure how I feel about that. Solid depth, regardless.
No one is out because at this point. With all the injuries between now and game 1, lets not set the roster until we know who is healthy.
I wouldn't rule Maddox or Harper out just yet. There'll be some serious competition for jobs in the defensive secondary for '26.
Harper is back.
Experienced player who has played for good programs. He could be a good guy to mentor the younger players back there, like Jackson and any draft picks at that position.
Probably should have worked this into the story, but Clark has always been viewed as a great tackler. That's a different skill set than some of the other contenders for those jobs, if/when Branch/Joseph sit.