One Cornerback Lions Could Select in Every Round of NFL Draft

Examining a deep class of cornerbacks in 2024 Draft.

The Detroit Lions have not shied away from adding talent to their cornerback room.

General manager Brad Holmes was aggressive early in the start of the league year, adding Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson to a position that struggled in 2023. A wrench was then thrown into their plans with the ongoing legal situation that led to the release of Cam Sutton.

While the Lions have added veteran talent, they could still benefit from adding young pieces to the group. This year's cornerback class is deep, and the Lions could find talent in every round.

Here is a cornerback the Lions could consider drafting in each round that they currently have a pick in this year's Draft.

Round 1

Ennis Rakestraw, Missouri

Of the several cornerbacks that are in the first round conversation, Rakestraw seems like an ideal pick for the Lions. He plays fast and physical and is not afraid to stick his nose in against the run. With the Lions' affinity for corners that can tackle, Rakestraw looks to be a solid fit.

Rakestraw had dealt with a core muscle injury that required surgery after the season, but he should be ready to contribute right away. His frame looks the part of a ready-made NFL contributor, and he has the ball skills to be a takeaway artist.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

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Round 2

Max Melton, Rutgers

After showcasing explosive athleticism, Melton has boosted his stock heading into the Draft. While not on the level of the top prospects such as Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell, he has surged into the top of the second tier players at the position.

His testing numbers were among the best at his position, including a 4.39 40-yard dash. It matched the speed that he plays with on tape, as he frequently finds himself near the football. Melton had a team-high three interceptions last season to go along with 32 tackles, including four for loss.

This blend of speed and physicality is precisely what the Lions covet, so he could be the choice in the event that the organization targets a different need earlier in the Draft.

Max Melton

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Round 3

Renardo Green, Florida State

The Florida State defense played man-to-man coverage at a high rate in 2023. With how good the defensive line was, the cornerbaacks and safeties were beneficiaries. Among those was Renardo Green, who finished the year with 13 passes defensed and one interception.

Green showed immense comfort playing at the line of scrimmage in press man. He's a tough, long defender who can more than hold his own in that aspect. Given Aaron Glenn's affinity for playing man-to-man, the Florida State product would pencil in nicely.

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Renardo Green (8) breaks up a pass against Louisville.

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Round 4

The Lions currently do not have a fourth round selection

Round 5

Caelen Carson, Wake Forest

Carson is another intriguing prospect who offers physicality and the ability to deliver a thump in the run game. The 6-footer has three career interceptions and uses his frame well to be a force against runners.

The Wake Forest product has a a swagger that shines through on film and is athletic enough to contribute on special teams early in his career. In the later rounds, that knack can be a difference making trait.

Caelen Carson

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Round 6

Qwan'tez Stiggers, CFL

Stiggers is one of the best stories in the Draft and has a chance to make Draft history if he is selected. Should a team choose him, he would become only the third player in the common Draft era to be drafted without playing a snap of college football.

His journey took him through the Fan Controlled Football League and into the CFL, where he was the Defensive Rookie of the Year and had five interceptions last year with the Toronto Argonauts.

The Lions already scheduled a pre-Draft visit with Stiggers, who was not invited to the Combine. He's an intriguing player who could wind up being a big-time Draft steal.

Qwan'tez Stiggers

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Round 7

Myles Harden, South Dakota

One of the better small-school cornerback prospects in this year's Draft is Harden, who had one interception last year at South Dakota. Though his takeaway production is not at an elite level, his physicality shines on tape.

Harden is a very willing and able tackler who delivers a punch at the point of contact. As mentioned earlier, this is a trait the Lions seek out in their cornerbacks.

With this tackling ability, Harden has special teams ability with the chance to develop into a defensive contributor with some fine-tuning of technique.

South Dakota defensive back Myles Harden (DB13) works out during combine

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