Cornerbacks Lions Could Target in 2024 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions rebooted their secondary by signing a trio of free agents this past offseason.

After 10 weeks, just one of the three remains active. Cornerback Cam Sutton continues to anchor the secondary, while both Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered significant injuries.

Sutton has been solid, but has struggled to be the shutdown corner Detroit may have hoped he'd be when signing him to a three-year contract. As a result, the Lions could look to add depth at the position when the NFL Draft rolls around in April.

Here's a look at five cornerbacks the Lions could target in the upcoming draft.

Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Wiggins has worked his way to the top of some outlet's draft boards late in the season. His performance in coverage has been nothing short of exceptional, with just nine completions allowed on 23 targets.

At 6-foot-2, Wiggins is a lanky cornerback full of athleticism and range. He's fast enough to run with the burners, and skilled enough to stay on top of any route.

One area where he has not graded out well in is in the run game, a skill that will need to be developed. PFF has him graded out at a 43.6 clip, which is unsatisfactory.

With his abilities in coverage, he's still worth a look. The pre-draft process should tell more about his physicality.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

McKinstry has long been considered to be in the mix for top cornerback prospect status. His pedigree playing at Alabama carries weight, and he's largely lived up to his preseason hype.

On 35 targets this season, per PFF, McKinstry has allowed just 15 completions, which is the equivalent of a 65.9 NFL passer rating. Outside of the game against Texas, he has not allowed a touchdown.

McKinstry also doubles as Alabama's punt returner, a testament to his overall athleticism. He has his lapses, with the Texas game being an example, but the overall body of work has been solid. He's projected to be a first-round pick and a player worth targeting in the middle of the first round.

Dan Campbell Wants to Help Texas A&M Besides Becoming Their Coach

Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Lassiter is the latest cornerback to come through what has been a historically good Georgia defense over the last several seasons. As the Bulldogs attempt to three-peat, the cornerback is set to play a big role down the stretch.

The junior has not allowed a touchdown this season, while being targeted a total of 36 times. His abilities in coverage can be improved, though, as he needs to continue developing physically to support his lean frame.

Lassiter has some versatility, and could wind up sliding inside at the next level. But, some of that could depend on his testing numbers at the NFL Combine.

Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas

McGlothern is PFF's highest-rated cover corner, holding a 91.8 coverage grade heading into Saturday. He has three interceptions this season, plus eight total in his career.

The long, athletic cornerback has impressive closing speed and a knack for finding the football. Take into account this interception last week against Auburn, where he nearly navigates his way all the way to the end zone after undercutting a curl route.

McGlothern has consistently rated highly within PFF's metrics, and is the highest-graded cornerback this season. He'll need to continue improving his physicality, but he fits the mold of Aaron Glenn's defense as a takeaway artist.

WE LIKE DWIGHT pic.twitter.com/SmA71iGr8D
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Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Mitchell doesn't play against the top-tier talent that others on this list do. But, his production and talent are too good to simply ignore. He's allowed the NFL equivalent of a 47.8 passer rating on passes his direction, per PFF, despite playing mostly man coverage with little help.

He's also a sound tackler, having missed just three tackles this season. He has good closing speed and a build sturdy enough to handle physical play.

The Rockets ran away with the Mid-American Conference West division, thanks in part to Mitchell anchoring a shutdown secondary. On Tuesday against Bowling Green, Mitchell allowed just three completions on 10 passes thrown his way, and tallied two pass breakups.