Is Billy Bowman the Lions’ Safety of the Future?

Introduction: Detroit Lions Seek Depth in the Secondary

The Detroit Lions have made significant strides in improving their defense, and one of the bright spots has been the development of their safety duo: Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Both are among the best young talents in the league, with Joseph recently earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Together, they provide a solid foundation for the Lions’ secondary. However, with Ifeatu Melifonwu departing for the Miami Dolphins on a one-year deal, the team is left needing to add more depth at the safety position.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one potential candidate to bolster the Lions’ safety group is Billy Bowman Jr., a standout defensive back from Oklahoma. Bowman has demonstrated impressive playmaking ability throughout his college career, making him an intriguing option for the Lions. Could he be the future safety the Lions need to complement Joseph and Branch?

Billy Bowman’s Career at Oklahoma: Ball Skills and Versatility

Billy Bowman’s college career at Oklahoma was marked by his ability to make plays on the ball. With 11 career interceptions, including six in his standout junior season of 2023, Bowman has proven to be a takeaway machine. His ball skills are one of his strongest attributes, consistently high-pointing the ball in the air and staying tight on deep routes. Bowman’s background also includes time spent both as a safety and a nickel cornerback, showcasing his versatility on the backend.

In addition to his interceptions, Bowman registered 199 combined tackles, including 10 for loss, during his time with the Sooners. His ability to impact multiple facets of the game—whether it’s in coverage or against the run—has made him a fluid athlete and a well-rounded defender. Despite his smaller frame, Bowman has shown that he can hang with the best in college football, and his high school background as an offensive standout demonstrates his overall athleticism.

Concerns About Size and Tackling: Can Bowman Overcome His Weaknesses?

While Billy Bowman’s ball skills and versatility make him an attractive option, there are concerns about his size and tackling ability. At 5-foot-9, Bowman is considered undersized for a safety in the NFL. While his football IQ, movement skills, and competitive urgency are highly praised, his lack of size could lead some teams to shy away from him.

Additionally, Bowman has struggled with tackling throughout his college career. Pro Football Focus highlighted his missed tackle percentage, which was above 20% in every year of his career, and peaked at 23.1% in 2024. This is a significant red flag, especially for a team like the Lions, who have traditionally valued safeties who can step up and make solid tackles. If Bowman is to succeed at the NFL level, improving his tackling technique will be crucial.

The Lions’ Defensive Philosophy: Will Bowman’s Weaknesses Be a Dealbreaker?

The Lions’ defense has been built on physicality, and their safeties are expected to play an active role in both coverage and run defense. The team has consistently targeted defensive backs who are unafraid to mix it up in the box and make impactful tackles. While Bowman’s playmaking ability and coverage skills are undeniable, his inability to consistently make solid tackles may be a non-negotiable flaw for the Lions.

That said, the Lions have shown a willingness to develop players with raw potential, and Bowman’s ability to make plays on the ball could make him an appealing option. If the Lions believe they can help him refine his tackling technique, Bowman could become a key contributor in their secondary. But with his tackling issues being a major concern, the team may ultimately decide to go in a different direction during the draft.

The Verdict: Billy Bowman’s Potential in Detroit

Billy Bowman has the potential to be a difference-maker in the Lions’ secondary, thanks to his ball skills, versatility, and overall athleticism. However, the concerns about his size and tackling ability are significant, and the Lions will need to weigh these risks carefully. If Bowman can develop into a more reliable tackler and improve his consistency in the run game, he could become a key piece of Detroit’s defense. However, if his tackling woes persist, it could hold him back from reaching his full potential.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it will be interesting to see if the Lions take a chance on Bowman’s upside or look for a safer option to add depth to their secondary. With the right coaching and development, Bowman could be the safety of the future in Detroit, but his path to success will depend on his ability to address the concerns surrounding his game.