Potential late-round cornerback prospects that the Lions might consider targeting in the 2024 draft.
The Detroit Lions are setting their sights on a deep playoff run in 2024. Following their journey to the NFC Championship game, they will no longer go unnoticed in the future. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have the responsibility of furnishing the team with the requisite talent to progress further next season.
One key area of concern for the Lions is the cornerback position, particularly the boundary spot. Nonetheless, under Holmes’ leadership, the organization has prioritized suitability over necessity during the drafting process. Consequently, the Lions might opt to forego selecting a cornerback early in the Draft in favor of top players at other positions. In such a scenario, they could address the cornerback position later in the Draft.
Here are three cornerbacks projected to be drafted in later rounds that the Lions should contemplate selecting in April’s Draft:
Kamal Hadden, Tennessee:
Hadden showcased outstanding performance before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023. He earned one of the highest coverage grades by Pro Football Focus, standing at 90.4 prior to his injury. Hadden emerged as the Volunteers’ primary cornerback, demonstrating exceptional play and preventing touchdown catches in his final season. Standing at 6-foot-1, Hadden possesses the necessary attributes to excel on the boundary, including good length, leverage, and speed.
Drew, James Madison (CIAA Defensive Player of The Year, 2023):
Drew, the 2023 CIAA Defensive Player of The Year, transferred from James Madison. He exhibited solid all-around performance with six interceptions, 34 tackles, and a forced fumble at the Division II level. Despite his 5-foot-11 stature, Drew presents intriguing coverage skills and competes effectively in the run game. His invitation to the NFL Combine as a non-Division I player underscores his potential and Holmes’ inclination toward under-the-radar prospects.
Stiggers (CFL Most Outstanding Rookie, 2023):
Stiggers’ journey is one of the most remarkable Draft narratives in recent memory. Without playing a snap of college football, he ventured into the Fan Controlled Football League before his successful stint with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL, where he recorded 53 tackles and five interceptions, earning the title of CFL Most Outstanding Rookie. Stiggers’ physicality and solid coverage abilities, combined with his performance against high-level competition, position him as an intriguing developmental prospect worth evaluating at the NFL level.
