6 Draft Prospects Lions Should Watch

The Detroit Lions have made a habit of drafting players capable of contributing immediately since Brad Holmes took the reins of the organization.

The evidence is on display in 2023, as all four of the team's top picks played big roles in their season-opening win.

While the season rolls on, there are plenty of players set to enter the league in 2024 who could have similar impacts. Here are six draft prospects the Lions should watch in Week 3 of the college football season.

Texas WR Adonai Mitchell

Game: 8 p.m. Saturday vs. Wyoming (ESPN)

Mitchell had a breakout game last week on the national stage. In a road game against Alabama, the wideout caught three passes for 78 yards and two scores.

He showed off his vertical ability, using his 6-foot-4 frame to high-point the ball. Long speed is another trait of his, as he seems to get faster the farther he runs.

A transfer from Georgia, Mitchell appears set to shine in his first year with the Longhorns. He's built up a strong connection with Quinn Ewers, and has a skill set that will be desired at the next level.

The Lions will likely be in the market for a young, big-bodied wideout next April. If Mitchell continues to ascend, he could be one of the first wideouts taken after consensus top prospect Marvin Harrison Jr.

Iowa CB Cooper DeJean

Game: 3:30 p.m. Saturday vs. Western Michigan (Big Ten Network)

DeJean is off to a hot start in 2023, having already totaled 17 tackles in his first two games. Now, the senior will look to continue his success against Western Michigan.

He is the latest in a line of Iowa cornerbacks to garner attention, joining Riley Moss from last season. What sets DeJean apart is his ability to generate takeaways, as he had five last season.

Three of those interceptions were returned for scores last season, a sign of his true ability to be a defensive playmaker. This fits the mold of what Aaron Glenn is looking for in his secondary.

To this point, he has earned a 76.3 Pro Football Focus coverage grade, as well as a 79.0 tackling grade. He's an established talent who would be an asset to Detroit's defense as it continues bolstering its secondary.

Notre Dame OT Joe Alt

Game: 2:30 p.m. Saturday vs. Central Michigan (Peacock)

The Detroit Lions are approaching a crossroads in the next few years. In Penei Sewell, they have a cornerstone player. However, Taylor Decker is in his seventh season, and has dealt with injuries as of late.

If the Lions want to draft a top-tier prospect as insurance, Alt is one of the top prospects expected to be available. In three games, he has been as good as advertised.

He's earned a 80.0 run-blocking grade from PFF to this point in the season, and he should have another solid game against Central Michigan Saturday. Additionally, he's an imposing figure at 6-foot-8.

Even if the Lions feel confident in Decker's future, adding a premium player for depth would be a good strategy, given the injury history up front in recent years.

Georgia DT Nazir Stackhouse

Game: 3:30 p.m. Saturday vs. South Carolina (CBS)

With Jalen Carter off to the NFL, Stackhouse has taken a step forward on Georgia's defense. After contributing to the historically good unit over the past two seasons, he's now anchoring the run-stopping efforts.

It's been a quiet start for him statistically, as he has just two tackles in the first two games. However, he has earned a 69.8 PFF defensive grade, and has played just 32 snaps in the first two games, both blowouts.

With the SEC opener set for Saturday, look for him to get an expanded role. He has the making of a key player at the next level, and his size lends itself to more development upon reaching the pro ranks.

Minnesota S Tyler Nubin

Game: 3:30 p.m. Saturday at North Carolina (ESPN)

Nubin is another ballhawk, with big-time production at the collegiate ranks. His performance has shades of another former Big Ten safety: current Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph.

The Minnesota product has 10 career interceptions, two of which he recorded in this year's season opener against Nebraska. His tackling and open-field ability stand to improve, but there's no denying his ability to get to the ball when it's in the air.

Nubin and company will face a good test Saturday in North Carolina, which is led by top quarterback prospect Drake Maye. The safety will get a chance to match wits with one of the draft's best signal-callers, which could boost his stock if he has a good day.

UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

Game: 5 p.m. Saturday vs. North Carolina Central

Latu is an intriguing story. Once declared medically ineligible at Washington, he's revived his career since transferring to UCLA in the spring. In two games, he already has four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.

Time will tell if his health can hold up through the course of the season, but he has the potential to be a game-wrecker at the professional ranks.

With both Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris on expiring contracts, the Lions could be in the market next offseason for a starting-caliber EDGE rusher. Latu has 14 career sacks, and could be the guy that fits the need for Aaron Glenn's defense.