NFL · 1 year ago

5 Scouting Combine Prospects to Fill the Lions’ NFL Draft Needs

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Quinyon Mitchell (CB) - Toledo
Quinyon Mitchell, out of Toledo, is one of the top cornerback prospects in this draft. The Lions have a late first-round selection, and Mitchell is my fifth-ranked CB in this class. It's possible that he would still be available, which would be an excellent selection for Detroit. Mitchell's athleticism makes him a standout prospect who could potentially jump into being a Day 1 starter in the NFL.
Cooper DeJean (CB) - Iowa
Cooper DeJean is my second-ranked cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft class. DeJean is an excellent mix of a strong athlete with a high football IQ. The Lions came away with a strong showing in last year's draft. If they can land a corner with DeJean's ability, they'll be on their way to another impactful draft. The Lions' secondary was an area where opponents were able to attack them last year, a factor in their eventual downfall. DeJean gives them a player who can immediately step in and be a difference-maker.
Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB) - Alabama
It's hard to get a complete read on where Kool-Aid McKinstry will end up in this draft. Entering 2023, he was one of this draft's more highly regarded defensive players. He didn't have a poor season, but other players elevated their games above his. Still, the Lions made our well with Brian Branch from Alabama in the 2023 NFL Draft on defense, and they'd be wise to pair him with a player of McKinstry's caliber.
Chris Braswell (LB) - Alabama
Chris Braswell is another member of Alabama's defense who can potentially interest the Detroit Lions. If the Lions don't like the corners available and don't want to move up, Braswell is a player who stands out. Braswell is coming off an eight-sack campaign with the Crimson Tide, and the Lions need players opposite Aidan Hutchinson who can get to the quarterback. Braswell can do that in spades and is bursting at the seams with potential.
Chop Robinson (DE) - Penn State
If you're looking for a player ranked in the Detroit Lions' range, take note of Chop Robinson. The Penn State products' numbers won't jump off the page, but he's an impactful player who would fit well with the Lions' young defense. His explosive athleticism pops immediately when you watch his game tape, and he would look good on the same unit as Aidan Hutchinson.
Quinyon Mitchell (CB) - Toledo
Quinyon Mitchell, out of Toledo, is one of the top cornerback prospects in this draft. The Lions have a late first-round selection, and Mitchell is my fifth-ranked CB in this class. It's possible that he would still be available, which would be an excellent selection for Detroit. Mitchell's athleticism makes him a standout prospect who could potentially jump into being a Day 1 starter in the NFL.
Cooper DeJean (CB) - Iowa
Cooper DeJean is my second-ranked cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft class. DeJean is an excellent mix of a strong athlete with a high football IQ. The Lions came away with a strong showing in last year's draft. If they can land a corner with DeJean's ability, they'll be on their way to another impactful draft. The Lions' secondary was an area where opponents were able to attack them last year, a factor in their eventual downfall. DeJean gives them a player who can immediately step in and be a difference-maker.