5 Cornerbacks for Lions to Watch at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
One of the top areas of need for the Detroit Lions is the cornerback position.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell struggled to find a solid rotation last season, as the team cycled through a plethora of players. Jeff Okudah, a former top pick, and Jerry Jacobs were among the two who saw the most consistent reps.
Even so, each player spent time on the sidelines due to poor play. Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions may be looking to add a top prospect to help add stability at the position.
The 2023 Scouting Combine, which begins Tuesday, will have plenty of the top options on display.
Here are five cornerbacks the Lions should watch at the combine.
Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Gonzalez is believed to be the best player at his position in the draft class. He has the necessary length and frame to excel as a man or zone cover corner.
There was a worry about his ability to create turnovers, after logging zero interceptions through his first two seasons at Colorado. He put those worries to bed after transferring to Oregon, though, as the result of securing four picks.
He should test well given his athleticism, which could create more separation between him and the field at cornerback. On the heels of a strong 2022 campaign, Gonzalez could leap forward once again with a good showing in Indianapolis.
Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Witherspoon doesn’t have the length that Gonzalez has, but he makes up for it with a compact frame that makes him a factor in the run game. He was an impact player for the Fighting Illini in the run game, in addition to the pass game.
A fast riser, Witherspoon enjoyed an extremely productive 2022 campaign. He invoked shades of another ball-hawking Illinois defensive back -- present Lions safety Kerby Joseph -- with three interceptions.
Additionally, he didn’t allow a touchdown all season long, and had the No. 1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus in the country. By showing his physical intangibles are on par with Gonzalez, he would put himself further in the conversation at the top of the class.
Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Once a consensus top pick, Ringo has seen his stock flutter a bit, due to inconsistent play down the stretch. He wasn’t the lockdown corner many expected him to be in 2022, and he experienced some issues with his technique.
The combine offers Ringo a great opportunity to remind scouts why they were so high on him in the beginning. He’s a superb athlete, and would help his stock by being among the top performers at his position.
There are still going to be areas of concern for scouts when it comes to Ringo’s game. However, don’t be surprised if he’s among the top performers at the combine.
Jordan Prather, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Another of the top prospects, Porter is an intriguing prospect, as the son of a former pro linebacker (Joey Porter).
Porter Jr. has been rock solid for the Nittany Lions throughout the last two seasons, and could be a fit for the Lions with the No. 18 pick.
A downside to Porter’s game is his lack of turnovers created, as he had just one interception. He has Penn State’s record for pass breakups in a game, but also was penalized more than the other top prospects at his position.
He has a tendency to grab at the top of routes, which led to his penalties becoming an issue. Evaluating him in person will be beneficial, but there’s plenty to unpack with him on film, as well.
Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
If Detroit elects to pass on the first wave of corners, a player like Forbes could be waiting in the wings on Day 2.
A takeaway artist with the Bulldogs, Forbes notched 14 interceptions in his three seasons. In addition to that, he returned six of those picks for touchdowns.
This takeaway ability is intriguing for Detroit, considering the team's emphasis on creating takeaways throughout the 2022 season’s second half.
