Lions' 2023 Review: Melifonwu Shines, Duce Adds Swagger

Ifeatu Melifonwu made a massive impact on the Detroit Lions' defense down the stretch of the 2023 season. 

However, early on it looked to be a lost year for the third-year defender. Injuries had once again slowed his prospect, and he had been strictly a special teamer ahead of Detroit's Week 14 matchup with the Chicago Bears. 

That week, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn elected to make the switch and roll with Melifonwu at safety in place of veteran Tracy Walker III. The rest is history, as Melifonwu finished the regular season by recording three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble over the final five games. 

He recorded two more sacks in the postseason along with 16 tackles during the Lions' run to the NFC Championship game.

The growth of the Syracuse product is just one of a number of encouraging signs coming from the Lions' group of safeties after the 2023 season. Here's a look at where the group stands heading into the offseason. 

Reason for hope

In addition to the growth displayed by Melifonwu, young players Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch produced encouraging seasons. Branch notched a game-changing pick-six in his debut against the Chiefs in Week 1, while Joseph matched his rookie year total with four interceptions. 

Detroit drafted Branch with the intention of allowing him to compete for a role on the defense, and he wound up owning the nickel position for much of the season. The rookie demonstrated control over the spot despite its many intricacies in Glenn's defense and finished the year with three interceptions. 

Another factor in this was the injury to Ceedy Duce in Week 2. Duce missed most of the regular season with a torn pec, which forced the Lions to turn to Walker at the safety position.

He was up and down before being replaced by Melifonwu late in the year, and Melifonwu thrived in the role. 

Joseph once again showed his ability to create takeaways. He had two interceptions in the Lions' division-clinching win over Minnesota and also displayed an element of physicality to his game. 

The second-year safety also displayed his physicality with thunderous hits, which drew criticism late in the year. 

Duce could re-enter the fold in 2024 if he elects re-sign with the Lions. He may desire a long-term deal and the organization may be content with its options at the position, but would make the group even better if he returns and remains healthy.

Reason for worry

Depth could be concerning ahead of next season, as the Lions face decisions on key players. Namely, Duce is a free agent.

Joseph, Branch and Melifonwu all logged valuable reps last season, so they are experienced despite their youth. Yet, the depth behind them is still to be determined. As of now, the Lions have only the aforementioned three players, Walker and Brandon Joseph on a reserve/futures contract as their options. 

While Kerby Joseph has demonstrated a prowess for creating takeaways, he had just a 49.8 PFF coverage grade in 2023. In his role as free safety, this must improve in 2024. 

The Lions could explore adding depth in the Draft depending on the outcome of their free agency decisions. Minnesota's Tyler Nubin is one of the top prospects at the position, and he fits Detroit's mold after logging 13 career interceptions in college. 

Detroit also may have to find a new defensive backs coach, as Brian Duker is reportedly set to join the Miami Dolphins' coaching staff. 

Biggest question

Will the Lions re-sign Ceedy Duce? He's an established player who is just one season removed from posting six interceptions, but bringing him back may create a log jam in the secondary. 

Duce did have a noticeable impact in training camp, as his swagger seemed to bring out the best in other players at the position. If he signs elsewhere, it's worth monitoring if that same effect will carry over into next season. 

He came to Detroit last season after his hopes for a long-term deal fell through, so time will tell whether he earns his desired contract this time around. With a torn pec costing him all but three regular season contests, he wasn't able to make a convincing statement in 2023. 

Yet, his career track record may still be enough for him to land a multi-year deal. Whether or not that happens in Detroit could depend on how the organization feels about the sustainability of the late-season success by Melifonwu.  

Free agents

• S Ceedy Duce (Unrestricted free agent)