Three Things Lions Can Learn From Michigan Pro Day

Blake Corum shows off route tree at Michigan Pro Day.

The Detroit Lions were represented amongst over 150 NFL personnel at Michigan's Pro Day on Friday, March 22.

Though general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell were not in attendance, the organization had representatives in attendance as the Wolverines' plethora of prospects showcased their skills.

Michigan is expected to have many players drafted when the NFL Draft rolls around in April. Headlining the group is quarterback J.J. McCarthy amidst several other NFL-ready talents.

Here are three things the Lions can learn from the event.

Corum showcases receiving ability

Running back Blake Corum was among the leaders for the national championship team in 2023. Spurning the NFL Draft last season after suffering a knee injury late in the regular season, Corum returned determined to help the Wolverines climb the proverbial mountain.

He accomplished his goal and now has his sights set on making an impact at the NFL level. For teams in search of a powerful and speedy runner, Corum fits that bill. However, one area he didn't showcase a ton at the collegiate level was his ability to contribute as a pass-catcher.

Corum used the Pro Day to show off his skills as a receiver. During McCarthy's passing session, the running back lined up out wide and caught passes. He didn't limit it to just routes out of the backfield, running deep patterns and hauling in a deep ball from his quarterback.

The running back rushed for 3,737 yards in four seasons, but caught just 56 passes. As he prepares for his NFL journey, contributing in the passing game will be an invaluable skill.

The Lions are set at the top two spots on the backfield depth chart with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. However, Holmes has never shied away from adding talent to the offense in the Draft and Corum's diverse skill set could be a major weapon.

Wilson, Johnson rising wideouts

While plenty of the attention was on McCarthy, the Wolverines have a pair of talented pass-catchers that are rising the NFL ranks. Both Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson generated plenty of buzz at their respective postseason showcase bowl opportunities.

Wilson was considered one of the biggest risers at the Senior Bowl, while Johnson did the same at the Shrine Bowl. Both players did not run the 40-yard dash at their Pro Day, but each participated in short shuttle drills that showed off their lateral quickness.

Johnson posted a 4.37 in the short shuttle and a 6.93 in the three-cone, while Wilson had numbers of 4.07 and 6.89, respectively.

The Lions have a need at wide receiver, and Johnson is the better fit in terms of size. With Amon-Ra St. Brown manning the slot and Jameson Williams supplying the speed, a big-bodied wideout like the 6-foot-3 Johnson could be a nice fit for Detroit's passing attack.

As a result, the Wolverines' top pass-catchers are worth monitoring during the weeks leading up to the Draft.

Sainristil runs pass routes

One of the most intriguing players at the event was defensive back Mike Sainristil, who had a unique journey in college. Coming to Michigan as a wide receiver, Sainristil played three seasons of offense before transitioning to the defensive side.

The Massachusetts native was a natural fit on defense, elevating his performance and becoming a potential early draft pick as a slot cornerback. Though undersized, he demonstrated a clear knack for finding the football while playing excellently in coverage.

On Friday, he showed off his athleticism by participating in defensive drills along with catching passes from McCarthy. There have been very few two-way players in the NFL, but Sainristil looked at ease in his routes.

At the very least, he showcased good hands and agility in his routes, which will be an asset at the next level as he covers elite wideouts.

The Lions' cornerback situation is still developing after they released Cam Sutton. Sainristil is undersized to be an outside cornerback, but has shown he's more than capable of attacking the task.

Additional reading

1.) Roundtable: Did Lions Make Mistake Not Trading for L'Jarius Sneed?

2.) Kerby Joseph 'Shocked' Matthew Stafford Called Him 'Dirty' Player