In ESPN’s latest two-round mock draft, the Detroit Lions select assistance at premium spots.
On Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk searches for space to run against Oregon State in a Pac-12 football game.
The Beavers, ranked No. 23, take on the Huskies. 24-21 was the Washington victory.Naji Saker for OregonLive/The Oregonian
ALLEN PARK: The Detroit Lions are helped at two premium positions in ESPN’s most recent two-round mock draft, in addition to areas where the defending NFC North champs need improvement.
At the end of Round 2, Field Yates selected Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean at Pick 29 and Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk at Pick 61. That fits well with the Lions needing corner support prior to the Cam Sutton incident.
And as we just discussed on MLive, the Lions still have a need at receiver, so a Polk selection would undoubtedly excite some fans here.
Late in the season at Iowa, DeJean shattered his leg, ending his season. Nevertheless, he was named the conference’s best defensive back and return specialist.
Additionally, according to ESPN, the standout defensive back wrote a letter to every NFL team stating that he is cleared for all football-related activities and would hold a workout at Iowa on April 8 that would include on-field testing.
It’s nothing new for those who follow our monthly mock draft roundups to match DeJean to the Lions. However, given his versatility, athleticism, ties to the Iowa program, and draft position, it makes perfect sense.
At six feet and 203 pounds, he is a powerful cornerback who can run like an outside back, hit like a safety, and cover like one for the Hawkeyes.
In 2023, quarterbacks who threw to DeJean had an average passer rating of just 37.8, and they only completed one pass of more than 15 yards against him.
There appears to be some significant starting-level talent in this year’s cornerback class. However, the competition is fierce for the CB1, CB2, CB3, and so forth slots in this selection pool.
DeJean continues to have high regard from Pro Football Focus, which ranks him first among cornerbacks and ninth overall.
DeJean is ranked third among cornerbacks and twenty-third overall by The Athletic, and fourth among corner prospects by ESPN.
But at Pick 29? If the Iowa cornerback stays on the board, it’s difficult to see Brad Holmes and the Lions winning.
Their outside cornerback rotation is led by Amik Robertson and Carlton Davis III. Since Brian Branch is anticipated to play some safety, spot reps throughout the defensive backfield could be available for a rookie or developing player.
DeJean has been a full-fledged player for most of his career, mostly at outside cornerback. He was one of the top ballhawks in the country and a lockdown cornerback in 2022 during his entire season. He also had five interceptions.
Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, is a big fan of his versatility, and he appears prepared to play at corner, nickel, or backup safety.
Polk undoubtedly fulfills many requirements for the Lions as well. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound standout receiver from Washington would give Detroit’s room some size and contested-catch potential. Josh Reynolds is not available.
On a one-year contract, Donovan Peoples-Jones has returned. Peoples-Jones fits the description and has demonstrated his ability in the past, but it has been a few years, and he hasn’t done enough to feel committed.
Polk doesn’t burn in a straight line. He’s no slouch when it comes to athletics, either, as evidenced by his outstanding broad jump and 37.5-inch vertical.
Furthermore, he isn’t well-known for his routes. In 2023, Polk tried his hand at a little bit of everything with the electric Huskies.
In addition to 567 deep yards, 15 forced failed tackles, and 13 challenged catches, he added 32 catches for 453 yards from the slot.
Being a playmaker on the outside, Polk might make a good combination with this offense’s all-around great Amon-Ra St. Brown, lightning-fast Jameson Williams, and sensational freshman tight end Sam LaPorta.
