Late-Round Cornerback Prospects Lions Could Target in 2024 Draft
The Detroit Lions are taking aim at making a deep playoff push in 2024.
As a result of the team's run to the NFC Championship game, they will no longer fly under the radar in the future. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell will be tasked with supplying the organization with the necessary talent to take the next step next season.
One primary area of need for the Lions is the cornerback position, specifically the boundary spot. However, the organization under Holmes has prioritized fit over need when drafting.
As a result, the Lions could certainly pass on a cornerback early in the Draft in favor of top players at other positions. Should they do that, they could take a cornerback later in the Draft.
Here are three cornerbacks projected to be drafted later in the Draft that the Lions should consider taking in April's Draft.
Kamal Hadden, Tennessee
Hadden was having an exceptional campaign prior to suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023. He was one of the highest-graded coverage corners by Pro Football Focus prior to his injury, posting a 90.4 coverage grade.
The defender was playing at a high level at the time of his injury, becoming the Volunteers' top option at cornerback and not allowing a touchdown catch in his final season. He finished his career with six interceptions.
There's also a developmental element to his game, as he spent two seasons as a rotational player before breaking out in 2023.
He stands 6-foot-1 and displayed a keen ability to play on the boundary. His frame allows him to play with good length and he is strong with his leverage, along with having the necessary speed to keep up with receivers.
The upcoming NFL Combine will offer him an opportunity to demonstrate his skills as well as where he's at in the rehab process.
Hadden began his college career at Independence Community College before transferring to Tennessee in 2021. He's also a Michigan native, having played at River Rouge High School.
Willie Drew, Virginia State
A transfer from James Madison, Drew was the 2023 CIAA Defensive Player of The Year. He notched six interceptions and 34 tackles and a forced fumble in what was a solid all-around season at the Division II level.
Standing 5-foot-11 tall, Drew is another boundary option who has intriguing skills in coverage. He also has shown the ability to compete in the run game despite not having the most physical frame.
Drew is the only player outside the Division I level invitited to the NFL Combine, which gives him another opportunity to prove his ability against the best prospects in the Draft.
Given Holmes' awareness of lower-level prospects and willingness to take players that fly under the radar, Drew is an intriguing name to follow throughout the pre-Draft process.
Qwan'tez Stiggers, CFL
Stiggers is one of the most unlikely Draft stories in recent memory. He did not play a snap of college football and spent time in the Fan Controlled Football League before playing last year for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.
He had a banner year, notching 53 tackles and five interceptions en route to being named CFL Most Outstanding Rookie. For his efforts, he was selected to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
At that event, he generated buzz with his performance. He stood out amongst others and impressed scouts with his ability to compete in reps against high-level competition.
His physicality paired with solid coverage skills make him an enticing developmental prospect. Additionally, his performance in the CFL makes him worthy of evaluating at the NFL level.
