Lions' Top 2024 NFL Draft Targets
The Detroit Lions front office has been on a heater when it comes to the NFL draft. They'll look to keep that momentum going with the first selection of the 2024 NFL draft.
General manager Brad Holmes has elevated the Lions roster to NFC contender thanks, in part, to the selections of Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch over the last three drafts.
Keeping up with the Joneses in the NFC is going to require the Lions to continue hitting on their picks. The next opportunity comes in the form of the 29th selection on Thursday night.
With a few needs on defense and some interesting talents who could be available in the late first round range, here's a look at three of their top targets based on potential fit and team need.
CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
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No one will bat an eye if the Detroit Lions use their first-round pick on a cornerback. The position group struggled last season and the Lions signed Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson to address the need.
The two veterans might be an upgrade over what they had last season, but neither is good enough to warrant the Lions waiting on the position.
That's especially true if someone like Nate Wiggins is still available.
The Clemson corner brings some great physical tools to the table. At 6'1" with 30½" arms, he has the length to make life difficult for smaller receivers. B/R scout Cory Giddings praises him for his patience in press coverage and ability to disrupt routes with his hands.
His ability to play in either zone or man schemes would give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a new weapon to work with in the secondary.
He doesn't come without flaws. He's only 173 pounds so he'll need to add some weight to avoid getting pushed around by bigger receivers and to be a factor against the run.
There's also not a ton of ball production for someone with such length. He only had two interceptions in his final season with the Tigers and he'll need to clean up some of his footwork.
Still, he would be the most high-potential player they have in the cornerback room from Day 1 if they draft him.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
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Again, if you had to pick a position the Lions should target, it's cornerback. They managed to be one of the best teams in the NFC despite a secondary that gave up the 12th-highest passer rating last season.
If they can get a talent upgrade at cornerback it could be what they need to elevate the defense and remain competitive with the 49ers.
The most ideal scenario might be a draft day fall for Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Wiggins has a great athletic profile, but McKinstry is the third-ranked corner on our board and was named the most versatile of the prospects.
Early in the draft process McKinstry was considered to be the best corner in the class. As the college football season played out he slipped behind the Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold tier at the top.
Now his stock appears to be falling on media big board. According to NFL Mock Draft Database his average rank was 12th in February and is now 24th. To be clear, there hasn't been any football played from February to April other than the All-Star games.
If teams are really dropping McKinstry down their boards it could result in a steal for the Lions.
DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
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Jer'Zhan Newton hasn't necessarily been a popular mock draft selection for the Detroit Lions. They signed D.J. Reader this offseason and Alim McNeil has quietly become a strong presence for their defense.
However, Newton is a potential draft day faller and the Lions should serve as his floor. Newton is a bit undersized for an NFL defensive tackle. At 6'2", 304 pounds it would have been nice for him to do the athletic testing and showcase how he overcomes his smaller stature.
Unfortunately, a Jones fracture in his foot kept him from participating in the combine,.
A big man with a foot injury can be scary. Throw in Byron Murphy II as a similar prospect without the health concerns and you have the context for Newton to go a bit later as some might expect.
The Lions should be willing to stop the slide. With Aidan Hutchinson, McNeil and Reader in place they are starting to put together a loaded defensive line. Adding Newton to the mix would give them another strong, disruptive defensive lineman that will make life easier for the secondary.
Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.
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