Who is the Detroit Lions’ next cornerback?
As the season ends, the Detroit Lions’ major focus should be on choosing a reliable cornerback. After sending cornerback Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 after three disappointing seasons, the Detroit Lions attempted to fill the vacuum by signing Cam Sutton to a three-year, 33 million contract.
Unfortunately, Sutton’s lack of coverage played a significant role in the Lions’ inevitable 31-34 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It is unclear whether Sutton will return next season based on their efforts this season.
Here are four prospective corners the Lions could select in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Breaking Down Potential New Lions Cornerbacks
1. Eenis Rackstraw, Jr. (Missouri)
The three-star recruit from the University of Missouri, who stands 6’0 and weighs 187 pounds, is expected to join Detroit. Rackstraw would be a formidable force on Detroit’s defensive line in 2023, totaling 35 tackles, including 24 solo tackles, 11 assists, four intercepted passes, and one forced fumble.
His scouting report highlighted various advantages of his style of play. His smooth hip movements allow him to easily turn and run; he also has strong lateral movement, which is useful while mirroring receivers at the line of scrimmage. Rackstraw’s versatility allows him to play both man and zone coverage, and he is not hesitant to tackle, with a focus on hitting the thigh pad to pull receivers down by the legs.
Along with the many positives, the report addresses a few disadvantages. Rackstraw has a thinner build than the average NFL corner, as he is seven pounds lighter. As a result, he lacks functional strength and struggles to get past larger receivers at the catch point and blockers in the open field.
One major issue with the Lions’ style of play is their tendency to commit multiple penalties, and choosing Rackshaw may exacerbate this issue. Rackshaw uses his hands downfield, grabbing and holding, resulting in numerous calls for pass interference.
2. Nate Wiggins (Clemson)
The four-star, 6-foot-2, 185-pound cornerback from Clemson is also expected to join the Detroit Lions. Wiggins has 28 tackles in 2023, including 22 solo tackles, six assists, and two forced fumbles. Wiggins’ patience was a significant selling point, helping him to remain collected during press attention. His awareness in zone coverage is also impressive, helping him to read the quarterback’s eyes and leap routes.
However, Wiggins has shown signs of laziness on occasion, playing with high pad levels, which frequently causes him to break or transition slowly during the game. Wiggins lacks the physicality of other possible cornerbacks, as he rarely commits to blocking or tackling.
3. Cooper Dejean (Iowa)
Dejean has an amazing 6’1″ frame and weighs 207 pounds. The University of Iowa cornerback finished with 120 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 13 passes defended, and seven interceptions. One of Dejean’s assets is his ability to move efficiently, which includes a smooth backpedal and fast hips.
Unfortunately, Dejean’s frame and lack of speed may impede his ability to move laterally. Unfortunately, Dejean would be unable to compete with some of the league’s fastest receivers.
4. Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
Kool-Aid McKinstry, the University of Alabama cornerback, is an amazing 6’1″ and 195 pounds. During the 2023 season, he made 32 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, and eight assisted tackle. McKinstry has multiple talents, including long strides and quickness, which allow him to stay up with receivers, good vision and route identification, a desire to tackle, and proficiency in both man and zone coverage.
There are some drawbacks to these advantages as well. McKinstry lacks strength and struggles to disengage from blocks at times. He may also be erratic when it comes to tackling, failing to tackle the ball carrier on occasion. McKinstry also has problems transitioning between phases and finding the ball while it is in play.
Sutton’s performance over the past year has made it clear that he is not the Lions’ CB1, and may not even be CB2. This is why the Detroit Lions must select one of these four prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Without a good corner to rely on, Detroit is unable to blitz or defend against opposing offense plays.
