After selecting multiple players on the defensive line, the Detroit Lions spent their first seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on a player in the secondary, selecting Georgia safety Dan Jackson.

Dan Jackson, Safety, Georgia

Jackson walked on to Georgia’s scout team in 2019 and, after two seasons, worked his way into a special teams role. He spent the next three seasons as a full-time special teams player and spot starter at safety before returning to a full-time starting safety role in 2024. Jackson was also named one of Georgia’s team captains, leading the Bulldogs alongside Lions second-round pick Tate Ratledge.

Fit with Lions

“I’m fast, I’m physical, and I’m tough—and emphasis on the last one there,” Jackson told the media following his selection by the Lions. “I think that’s why I was able to have the success in college that I had. I just can’t wait to be a part of the Lions’ culture that they’ve built, and I’m just extremely excited to be a part of that.”

On Georgia’s defense, Jackson played the single-high role, splitting time between playing in the middle of the field and cover-two shells. That experience will fit into the Lions’ scheme and give Jackson the opportunity to compete for a third safety role right out of the gate.

Jackson’s instincts keep him in the proper position in the secondary, and when he sees a target, he explodes to and through the ball carrier. Right now, Jackson is more of a hitter than a tackler, but his willingness to punish offensive skill players for coming into his area is tone-setting. He may need to dial back his aggressive to improve his technique, but the Lions won’t want to temper it too much.

Early in his career, Jackson’s most significant contributions will likely come on special teams, where he brings loads of experience and production—he’s a five-phase special teamer and has a blocked punt and kick on his resume.

“On special teams, I’m willing to play anywhere,” Jackson continued. “A lot of that is how I got started at Georgia. That was my goal—just to be on the field and contribute to the team any way I could. That’s my same goal and same aspirations now.”

Roster impact

With All-Pro Kerby Joseph now under contract through 2029 and Pro Bowler Brian Branch signed through 2026, the Lions have arguably the best safety duo in the NFL. However, the depth chart behind them is unsettled, leaving the reserve spots up for competition.

Last season, the Lions rotated three different players through their reserve third safety role. UDFA rookie Loren Strickland opened the season in that role but gave way to Ifeatu Melifonwu once he returned from injury, and UDFA rookie Morice Norris stepped into the role late in the season as other injuries piled up. Melifonwu departed this offseason for a starting role in Miami, opening the door for Norris, Strickland, and Jackson to compete for depth roles in the Lions’ secondary.

While Norris and Strickland bring a year of experience in the Lions’ scheme and different positional versatility skills—they are both comfortable in the slot, while Jackson only saw around 100 snaps in the slot at Georgia—Jackson’s speed, instincts, and competitive profile will put him firmly in the mix for the third safety role.