Detroit Lions may target six cornerbacks on the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft.
These six cornerbacks match the theory that the Lions will select a defensive back on the second day of the draft, based on recent precedent.
The notion that a cornerback became more urgently needed was pushed aside by Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes following the regrettable circumstances surrounding Cameron Sutton, which resulted in his release.
That sentiment from Holmes is contradicted by the parade of cornerbacks who visit Allen Park as part of their top-30 pre-draft visits.Two more are scheduled to visit on Thursday, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press ($). Wake Forest’s Caelen Carson and Auburn’s Nehemiah Pritchett are the visitors. Thus far, according to reports and/or social media activity, seven cornerbacks have visited Detroit in the top 30.
During Holmes’ tenure, the Lions have drafted four defensive backs, as Birkett pointed out. On Day 2, three of them—Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kerby Joseph, and Brian Branch—were chosen. Select
29 overall this year may provide a cornerback, possibly the first genuine outside corner selected since Jeff Okudah, third overall, in Bob Quinn’s last round as general manager of the Lions (2020).
It’s a plausible theory that the Lions will hold off on selecting a cornerback until Day 2 of the 2024 draft, and it could actually happen. Taking into consideration that there is a very strong class at the position, here are a few Day 2 cornerbacks that they might be considering.
On Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions may be considering the following six cornerbacks. Wake Forest’s Caelen Carson
Because of an injury that prevented him from working out at the NFL Combine, Carson’s pre-draft visits—such as the one with the Lions—become even more significant.
He started just two seasons at Wake Forest, and in the first of those, he appeared in just eight games (2022). However, he is considered to be one of the more physically gifted corners in this year’s class. He stands six feet nine inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. During his college career, he broke 29 passes (three interceptions); this brings to mind the comments about “if he could catch, maybe he’d have been a wide receiver” With 36 receptions on 64 targets last season, he has an 83.4 run defense grade and a 71.7 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
Though he has the means to acquire the abilities that go along with his characteristics, Carson is seen as fairly raw. Before the draft, the Lions will have a better chance to evaluate him, therefore
Fifth, Andru Phillips, Ky.
Due to his busy schedule, Phillips was one of the cornerbacks who visited the Lions this week and was ranked in the top 30.
Similar to Carson, Phillips only played in college for two years. During those two seasons, he saw time both outside and in the slot and recorded 78 total tackles, 10 pass breakups (with zero interceptions), and he shown the physicality and adaptability the Lions want in cornerbacks. Pro Football Focus gave him a 71.7 overall rating and a 72.9 coverage grade last season.
Phillips, who stands five feet ten inches tall, is probably better suited as a slot corner at the next level. However, he shouldn’t be limited to that because of his physical attributes, which should help him against larger receivers on the outside.
