Two-Time All-SEC NFL Draft Prospect Interested in Reuniting with College Teammates on the Lions
The Detroit Lions are expected to target several defensive players in the upcoming NFL Draft.
One area that is likely not to be a top priority on the defensive side is safety.
The team already has two of the top safeties in the league.
Kerby Joseph earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2024 after leading the NFL in interceptions, while Brian Branch made the Pro Bowl in just his second season.
However, it appears a safety prospect who played with Branch in college is interested in joining the Lions.
During the NFL Combine, Alabama safety Malachi Moore expressed his desire to reunite with Branch and some of his other college teammates on the Lions.
“It would be awesome to play with my guys Terrion and BB on defense. We already have that great chemistry, and we share the same college football background under Coach Saban,” Moore said (via Mlive’s Kory Woods). “We’re all like-minded, and our bond is strong. Our relationship is still great.”
The Lions have had success selecting players from Alabama in recent drafts.
Over the past three years, they’ve picked Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Terrion Arnold, and Jameson Williams. Two have earned Pro Bowl spots, and another had over 1,000 receiving yards in 2024.
Moore had a versatile role for the Crimson Tide over five seasons, including plenty of time in the slot.
His most productive season came this past year, with 70 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass defenses.
While the Lions are unlikely to prioritize him in the draft, given their strong safety duo, his versatility as a defender could provide depth for a team that struggled with injuries in 2024.
- If Moore is available after the Lions address their primary needs, he could be a strong addition to the team.