The Detroit Lions are in the market for help in their secondary, both at the cornerback and safety positions. There are still some intriguing options for Detroit to consider in free agency, but the 2024 NFL draft is another avenue in which the Lions could address their needs.
While they are less likely to do so at safety than cornerback, considering this year's draft class is fairly weak at the former position, it's possible the Lions take care of one of their issues with their first-round pick, whether they stay at 29 or move up.
Knowing that, here's a look at three defensive backs the Lions should target in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Not included in the list are Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell and Alabama's Terrion Arnold, both of whom figure to be out of the Lions' range in the first round.
DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Some analysts believe DeJean can play either boundary or slot cornerback at the next level, while others think he'll ultimately be a safety. In Year 1, he may be able to provide some much-needed depth at all three spots for the Lions, and he's got the speed to return kicks, if needed.
Detroit has the slot wrapped up thanks to Brian Branch but could use more options there if he's forced to play safety at any point. DeJean would also provide competition and could win a starting role at either safety or boundary corner, both of which have question marks.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
McKinstry is at least the third-best cornerback in this year's class and is someone the Lions have expressed interest in via a 30 visit. He doesn't have quite the same speed as the other two listed here, but that's not to say he doesn't have any. In fact, he was clocked in the mid 4.4s at the Alabama Pro Day.
McKinstry is a prototypical outside cornerback who will, at worst, give the Lions more depth opposite Carlton Davis in 2024. However, he could very well win a battle with Amik Robertson and Emmanuel Moseley for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart when training camp is all said and done.
CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins brings good size (nearly 6-foot-2) and elite speed (4.28 40-yard dash) with him to the NFL and would challenge Robertson and Moseley for the job opposite Carlton Davis immediately.
The concern, however, is that Wiggins lacks the necessary mass (173 pounds) and arm length (30.5 inches) for the position, but at least he can fix the former issue. That said, Wiggins' overall talent is undeniable and the aforementioned issues shouldn't deter the Lions from trying to land him.
