Lions Host Oregon State Safety for Pre-Draft Meeting

List of Lions pre-draft meetings grows after visit with Oregon State safety.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:08pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a football player in mid-action into sharp, overlapping geometric planes rendered in the official colors of the Detroit Lions.A cubist interpretation of a Detroit Lions safety in action, reflecting the team's efforts to bolster depth at the position ahead of the 2026 season.Seattle Today

The Detroit Lions have held a meeting with Oregon State safety Skyler Thomas in the days leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. Thomas is viewed as a Day 3 prospect and has experience on the defensive side of the ball as well as on special teams. The Lions have some depth at the safety position, but they have injury concerns entering the 2026 season as both starters suffered season-ending injuries.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to bolster their safety depth ahead of the upcoming season, and meeting with Thomas, a potential late-round pick, could be a sign that they are interested in adding him to their roster. With injuries to key players at the position, the Lions are exploring all options to ensure they have adequate depth and competition at safety.

The details

According to a report from NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Lions had a meeting with Oregon State safety Skyler Thomas on Friday, along with the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. Thomas is viewed as a Day 3 prospect in the eyes of most draft analysts, having spent five seasons at Oregon State, including one year that was injury-shortened due to a torn ACL. In 2025, Thomas recorded 78 tackles, five passes defensed, and one interception for the Beavers.

  • The Lions held a meeting with Skyler Thomas on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Skyler Thomas

An experienced safety who spent five seasons at Oregon State, including one year that was injury-shortened due to a torn ACL. In 2025, he recorded 78 tackles, five passes defensed, and one interception for the Beavers.

Kerby Joseph

A Lions safety who was sidelined after Week 6 with a nagging knee injury, eventually landing on injured reserve after an attempt to return to action late in the year.

Brian Branch

A Lions safety who suffered a torn Achilles in December and could miss the start of the 2026 season due to the lengthy timeline to return.

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What they’re saying

“With less than one week until the 2026 NFL Draft begins, the Detroit Lions have held a meeting with an intriguing safety.”

— Aaron Wilson, NFL insider

What’s next

The Lions will continue to evaluate their safety options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, and a decision on whether to select Skyler Thomas or another safety prospect will depend on their evaluation of the available talent and the team's specific needs.

The takeaway

The Lions' meeting with Skyler Thomas highlights their efforts to address the safety position ahead of the upcoming season. With injuries to key players at the position, the team is exploring all options to ensure they have adequate depth and competition at safety, which could include selecting Thomas or another safety prospect in the later rounds of the draft.