The defense for the Detroit Lions could use all the bodies they can get after the injuries they suffered in 2024. Safety was a position group that could use more bodies, and in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions selected Dan Jackson, a safety out of Georgia. The selection gives Detroit depth at a position that has question marks behind its starters, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.

The Lions have five safeties on the roster, with the backups being Loren Stricklan, Erick Hallett, and Morice Norris. Jackson could win a backup job on the roster and kick Strickland, Hallett, or Norris out if he can impress in training camp.

At Georgia, Jackson finished with 140 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflections, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, two blocked kicks, and a fumble recovery in the six years. He was also a third-team All-SEC player in 2024. According to PFF, Jackson’s highest grade last year was his coverage grade of 65.7, and he didn’t allow a single touchdown on the targets he faced.

Jackson is known for being a violent player. He constantly wants to get downhill, find the ball carrier, and let them feel his power. He wants to let people know he will be there ready to stop them if they come his way. His run defense isn’t even his strength, as his coverage skills are where he shines the most as he does well in man coverage, something the Lions focus on in the secondary.

He was a former walk-on who was drafted—showing he isn’t going to quit when things don’t go his way. He will fight as hard as he can to show the coaches he deserves to be on the field no matter if it’s on defense or special teams. He isn’t as athletic as teams would like, but if he can overcome his lack of athleticism with passion, heart, and grit, he can make this team and get some playing time on special teams, possibly.

“If you get Dan, you get the whole package.” From walk-on to NFL Draft pick, Dan Jackson gets his name called. A perfect fit with Dan Campbell’s Football Guy culture in Detroit.

Flashback to what his teammates said at the NFL Combine (via @dawgnation)
pic.twitter.com/EQMXv67xlz

— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) April 26, 2025

Overall, Jackson has a chance to make the final roster. His competition isn’t that strong for the backup safety spot, so his chances at making the team are higher than most seventh-round picks. I could see Lions head coach Dan Campbell becoming a fan of Jackson once he sees him in person in practice.

Grade: C+

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