Is Nehemiah Pritchett Lions' CB of Future?

Could Auburn cornerback be the Lions' next standout DB?

As the pre-Draft cycle heats up, news about prospects visting organizations has begun to surface. One such meeting is taking place between the Detroit Lions and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett.

An Auburn product, Pritchett becomes the latest player to have a top-30 visit set up with general manager Brad Holmes and the Lions' organization. The two parties also met during Pritchett's time at the Senior Bowl.

Currently, the Auburn product is viewed as a Day 2 selection. In five years at Auburn, he notched 115 tackles, one sack and three interceptions.

The cornerback position will be one that has great intrigue for the Lions throughout the month leading up to the Draft. There are two new faces in Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson, while Cam Sutton has been released and Jerry Jacobs let go in free agency.

With the new veterans, there is still a need for young talent at the position within the organization. Though Pritchett isn't viewed in the highest echelon of prospects at cornerback in this year's Draft, he still profiles as a starter in the NFL with some development.

The Auburn product didn't have the flashiest numbers from a takeaway perspective, but his intangibles and skill set points toward being a capable contributor at the next level. Pritchett is a lengthy defender with solid deep speed that allows him to stay at the hip of wideouts on vertical routes.

In nine games for the Tigers last season, he was targeted 26 times. Pritchett allowed just 12 receptions and one touchdown, while notching one interception. He allowed a completion percentage of 46.2% and an NFL-equivalent passer rating of 58.8.

Oct 14, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (1) lines up

Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Against LSU, an offense that featured quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., in Week 7, Pritchett surrendered two receptions for 22 yards on four targets while also notching a pass breakup.

Pritchett appears at ease in press-man coverage, which would help him translate nicely to Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme. The Lions have utilized plenty of man-to-man defense in Glenn's three years piloting the defense, so he would be a solid fit.

Where Pritchett currently needs to improve is against the run. He's an adequate tackler, but sometimes struggles getting off of blocks. Additionally, he's been inconsistent at finishing plays in the ground game that come his way.

Part of his success in the coverage game plays against his favor in the run game, as he tends to stay in his drop back too long and as a result is late to come up and make a tackle.

In summary, Pritchett is a solid coverage boundary corner with the potential to develop into a starter with added skill and elevated technique. He has a strong foundation of ability that should translate to him holding his own in coverage, but will need to develop strength against the run.