The Detroit Lions drafted Brian Branch in the second round of the draft last offseason as the penultimate component of their secondary overhaul. Branch performed as expected, coming off the field in Week 1 and contributing to the team’s success the entire season as a nickel corner (74 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and a team-high 13 pass breakups).
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu ended with five sacks in the postseason following his debut on the field in Week 14 of the previous campaign. He was repeatedly rated as one among the Lions’ top defenders by Pro Football Focus, and in Week 16, he won NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Following an impressive stretch of injury-free play, the Lions’ first draft pick following the Matthew Stafford trade did a fantastic job.
As free agency and the draft get closer, the Lions will need help badly at cornerback, especially outside cornerback. Branch, however, is an authorized part of the secondary
Yes, going ahead, Melifonwu’s health is the primary worry. He played in all 17 games of the previous season, but he spent a significant amount of time on special teams due to a hand injury until he took Tracy Walker’s place in the starting lineup. But he proved to be a capable covering player and a strong blitzer during the most important part of the season.
Branch is a good place to start for the Lions when they attempt to build their secondary once more this offseason. Furthermore, Kerby Joseph at one secure location cannot be disregarded.
But Melifonwu proved his durability when he came into the picture late in the previous season. Next season, he will have a chance to solidify his position as an important member of the Detroit secondary.