Analyst: Lions Cannot Make It Into 2024 Without an Overhaul at a Critical Defensive Position
John Whitcar of GettySB Nation’s Pride of Detroit made the case that the Detroit Lions, who will have Cameron Sutton in 2024, need to make changes in the cornerback room.
During the offseason, the Detroit Lions added a number of players to their secondary roster. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley were signed by the Lions. In the second round, they also selected Brian Branch, a cornerback.
However, John Whiticar of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit made the case that the Lions must again make significant secondary adjustments this summer.
Whiticar declared on February 19 that the Detroit Lions’ cornerback position most needed to be overhauled.
Whiticar stated that the Lions were unable to locate a dependable alternative to rookie nickel Brian Branch. Although Cameron Sutton was considered to be the best player at the corner, he frequently appeared to be outmatched on his way to having one of his worst seasons ever
This offseason, the Lions’ cornerback group ought to be completely reassembled—not because a starter is gone, but rather because there were never enough starters to begin with.
Sutton received a 52.3 player grade at Pro Football Focus, to put it briefly. His lowest rating since his rookie campaign in 2017 was that one.
The only other outside cornerback who saw more than two defensive snaps in the previous campaign was Sutton. Sutton’s contract with the Lions runs through 2024.
Lions Must Find Starter Opposite and Address CB Depth Cameron Sutton
The good news for the Lions is that Branch is a cornerback who can be a building block. However, because he plays in the slot, the team still needs to have two starting cornerbacks on the roster.
Sutton is among those. Detroit is looking forward to his 2024 comeback. However, the Lions, who also desperately need more quality depth at the position, have serious concerns about the other starting cornerback.
A rotating cast of Jerry Jacobs, Emmanuel Moseley, Will Harris, Khalil Dorsey, and Kindle Vildor occupied the other starting positions. Whiticar noted, That’s almost their whole cornerback room that started a game in 2023.
These players aren’t just pending free agents—none of them were even close to being above average. For the sole purpose of depth and familiarity, the Lions will almost definitely bring back at least one of these guys, but how much faith should we place in them?
One of these players cannot be the Lions’ first-choice starter going into the season. The Lions will need to add quality to the secondary, either through the draft or free agency. Considering their lack of depth, it would be prudent to add several players who can start.
What the Lions Might Do with CB During the 2024 Offseason
In addition to Branch, the Lions have one other advantage. To meet their needs until 2024, the team has set aside $48 million in cash and cap space.
As Whiticar noted, the Lions may need to deploy both cornerbacks if they want to add many players who can start.
The Lions have been connected to veteran cornerbacks like Ronald Darby and Aaron Johnson in free agency.
Experts have linked the Lions to cornerback prospects like Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Nate Wiggins in mock drafts.
The Lions may hold off on selecting a cornerback until Day 2 of the draft if they spend a lot of money on cornerbacks in free agency.On the second day of the 2024 draft, the Lions are able to select three players (61, 73, and 92 overall).
Alternatively, the Lions could bolster the position with more modest free agency agreements or reclamation projects if they decide to choose one of the most highly anticipated cornerback prospects in the class at No. 29 in the first round.Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports proposed that Detroit consider former Lions No. 3 selection Jeff Okudah as a possible free agency cornerback.
Brad Holmes, the general manager, has a lot of work ahead of him at cornerback. However, he can choose how to improve the cornerback room.
