The Detroit Lions have shown a pattern of drafting players at positions where they have already invested in free agency. In 2023, they signed veteran running back David Montgomery but still used their first pick on Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs.
This trend suggests that, despite signing cornerbacks D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin, general manager Brad Holmes may still look to add depth at the position in the upcoming draft. With a consistent track record of selecting defensive backs in each of his four drafts, Holmes may once again target a cornerback at some point.
Skilled and Athletic Cornerbacks: Potential Early to Mid-Round Targets for Detroit
One of the top prospects the Lions could consider is Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina. Before a knee injury cut his final collegiate season short, he was rising up draft boards as one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks at the Group of Five level. Though his health remains a concern, his agent has indicated he should be cleared by summer.
With Detroit’s current depth, they could afford to develop him gradually while unlocking his athletic potential. Another intriguing option is Trey Amos from Ole Miss, a technically sound and disciplined player. While he may not have elite speed, he excels in press-man coverage and allowed an impressive 54.5 NFL passer rating on throws his way. His tackling ability, though solid, could use some refinement.
Shavon Revel Jr. (NFL)A unique developmental prospect is Darien Porter from Iowa State, who transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback. His background gives him elite ball skills, and his 4.3-second 40-yard dash time makes him one of the fastest players available. Although 2024 was his first full season as a starter, his three interceptions suggest significant potential with further coaching.
Another ball-hawking option is Mello Dotson from Kansas, who recorded 12 career interceptions, including five last season. His ability to use his length to disrupt passes makes him effective, though his tendency to leave space at the break of routes and a high missed tackle rate are areas for improvement.
Physical, Tough, and Athletic: Late-Round Cornerbacks Who Fit Detroit’s Defensive Scheme
If the Lions look for a physical cornerback who fits their press-man scheme, Nohl Williams from California could be an ideal candidate. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 199 pounds, he plays aggressively at the line of scrimmage and earned All-American honors in 2024 with seven interceptions. While his speed may be a concern, his low missed tackle rate and toughness could make him a great fit in Detroit’s defense.
Another potential late-round selection is O’Donnell Fortune from South Carolina. With a 6-foot-1 frame and solid ball skills, he has the physical tools to compete, though his lack of top-end speed and struggles against physical receivers could limit his immediate impact. However, his tackling ability and special-teams potential make him a viable depth option.
For teams willing to bet on elite athleticism, Jason Marshall Jr. from Florida stands out. He possesses explosive traits and scored highly in athletic testing, ranking above the 90th percentile among cornerback prospects. However, concerns about his tackling technique and overall determination may cause hesitation among teams.
If the Lions believe his athletic ability outweighs these concerns, he could be a valuable addition to their secondary. Given their history of taking chances on high-upside defensive backs, Marshall remains an intriguing name to watch as the draft approaches.
