With the Detroit Lions learning that Brian Branch will miss the entire season after tearing his Achilles against the Dallas Cowboys, one takeaway for fans is unavoidable: Detroit will almost certainly need to target a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Safety depth drops off quickly once the first round passes in most mock drafts, making it sensible for the Lions to stay put early and use their top pick on another pressing need—either an edge rusher or, ideally, reinforcements along the offensive line at guard or tackle.
This year’s draft class appears to offer several strong tackle prospects, but Detroit may have to turn its attention to safety in the second round. One name who consistently shows up in simulations—particularly in the most recent run through the NFL Mock Draft Simulator—is Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman.
Detroit lands a safety early in new mock
Thieneman, ranked as the No. 7 safety in his class by NFL Draft Buzz, is a junior starter on a powerhouse Oregon team in the Big Ten. Known for his heavy-hitting style, he projects as a hard-nosed complement to linebacker Jack Campbell—something that becomes even more crucial if Alex Anzalone departs in free agency.
His game brings flashes reminiscent of Carson Schwesinger, with rugged tackling and sharp instincts that align perfectly with the defensive identity the Lions look for. While he hasn’t replicated the turnover production of his standout freshman season at Purdue—recording just two interceptions so far—his reliability in run support makes him a strong candidate for Detroit’s secondary.
Beyond Thieneman, this mock draft also has Detroit selecting Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. Viewed by many as the top tackle prospect in the 2026 class, Fano could give the Lions valuable depth and future protection behind Frank Ragnow.
Detroit still has gaps at edge rusher and left guard, which may need to be addressed through free agency or trade depending on GM Brad Holmes’ maneuvering during the draft. At the moment, the Lions hold two selections within the first two rounds and do not have a third-round pick.
