Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has really gone to work the last couple offseasons revamping and reshaping Detroit’s cornerback room.
Spending a first and second-round draft pick last year on cornerbacks and then adding a bunch of veteran depth in free agency this offseason, the Lions have a pretty deep CB room they should feel pretty good about.
That certainly doesn’t mean Holmes shouldn’t look to keep adding to the group if the right prospect comes along at one of their draft slots. Cornerback typically has the highest injury rate among NFL position groups and a team’s depth is usually challenged there by the end of the season, which was certainly the case in Detroit last year.
Cornerback class draft strength: Top end talent. Travis Hunter, Will Johnson and Jahdae Baron have a chance to all be Top 20 picks and all three have the potential to be immediate impact starters. It’s not as deep a cornerback class overall as we’ve seen in past years, but it’s a solid group.
Lions cornerback depth chart: Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khalil Dorsey, Avonte Maddox, Rock Ya-Sin, Stantley Thomas-Oliver
Lions cornerback draft priority: Low. Detroit has a good mix of young and veteran talent at cornerback but Holmes drafts on talent and not need. He doesn’t mind loading up at a position if it means he’s drafting the best football player on his draft board when he’s on the clock. He wants great players and the playing roles and roster depth will figure itself out in camp. There’s no such thing as too much depth, especially at cornerback.
Five cornerbacks who could fit the Lions:
1. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
5-11, 183. 4.28 40-yard dash
Hairston concluded his collegiate career with 20 career starts, totaling 10 pass breakups, six interceptions and three forced fumbles. He tied the school record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns. He’s got great speed and can play in a range of different coverage schemes, but can he hold up against the run with his frame? That’s the only real question mark surrounding his game.