Draft 2026: Safety - Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Could the Lions address the safety position in the early rounds?
Unfortunately, the safety position has suddenly become a short-term and possibly long-term need for the Lions with the health concerns of Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee).
Even the backups have significant medical concerns with Dan Jackson (leg) and Thomas Harper (concussions). Thus, a 1st or 2nd round safety is not out of the question for the Lions.
Here are 3 safeties projected to go within the first 2 rounds. Two of them are young, with a perfect track record of availability, which would instantly and massively improve the health status of the secondary.
For the full NFL 2026 draft prospect medical concern page, click here.
Concern level ranges from 0 (no concern) to 5 (might be worth the risk if the reward is high) to 10 (take him off your board, Brad).
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information and are unverified - subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Quick summary of concern levels
Caleb Downs, S (21): recent nagging injury - 1/10 concern
Dillon Thieneman, S (22): remote MCL - 1/10 concern
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S (?): shoulder, possible age - 4/10 concern
Caleb Downs, S (21) - Ohio State
Projected round 1. #1 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.
Concern level 1/10
2025: 14/14 games. Nagging injury limited him in spring practices. He stated: “I’m good for the most part”.
2024: 16/16 games
2023: 14/14 games
Age and reliability are excellent for this consensus top safety in the draft, who compiled 6 INT, 12 PBU, and 3 forced fumbles in college.
His recent “nagging” injury will need to be investigated though. While reassuring that he played a full season afterwards, if it’s a cartilage issue, the problem could re-emerge again at some point (see Kerby Joseph).
Would the Lions consider taking him in the 1st round despite urgent needs at OT and EDGE? If Downs is by far the best player available, they should strongly consider it.
Even his coach Matt Patricia said he is one of the smartest players he’s ever coached. Actually, never mind… best to judge for yourself.
Dillon Thieneman, S (22) - Oregon
Projected round 1-2. #25 on Daniel Jeremiah board Jan 27.
Concern level 1/10
2025: 15/15 games
2024: 12/12 games
2023: 12/12 games
High school: Possible MCL
Thieneman has shown exceptional reliability in college, and finished with 8 INT, 14 PBU, and 2 forced fumbles.
The possible MCL in high school is unlikely to be of concern at this point as there is no report of it being severe or requiring surgery. Occasionally, MCL injuries have associated meniscus damage, so he may get an MRI at the combine to check for that.
If he falls into the 2nd round, the Lions might be smart to pounce.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S (unknown age, 23?) - Toledo
Projected round 1-2. #19 on Daniel Jeremiah board Jan 27.
Concern level 4/10
2025: 13/13 games
2024: 8/13 games. Shoulder injury and missed final 5 games.
2023: 14/14 games
2022: 13/14 games
McNeil-Warren accumulated 5 INT, 13 PBU, and 9(!) forced fumbles in his career. He was mostly reliable except for in 2024 when he had a significant shoulder injury.
Lions fans don’t want to hear about defensive backs with shoulder injuries after losing Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw to shoulder surgeries last season. It’s reassuring that McNeil-Warren played a full season after his injury.
Medical will need to estimate his risk of further shoulder issues, as well as verify a potentially, slightly-older age.
For more on the medical concerns of safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, read my analyses below…
