Detroit Lions Shift Focus to Draft Needs After Successful Conference Championship Appearance
ICARO Media Group
In a historic season that saw the Detroit Lions reaching the conference championship round for the first time in over 30 years, the team's draft talk has taken a backseat for the first time in recent memory. However, as the dust settles from their impressive playoff run, the Lions are now turning their attention to addressing crucial areas of their roster through the upcoming draft.
One key position that the Lions are looking to reinforce is the outside cornerback spot. With an eye on potential prospects, the team is considering Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. Mitchell's performance during the NCAA football season has caught the attention of Detroit's front office, showcasing his skills and potential as a shutdown corner.
Another area of concern for the Lions is their edge rusher depth and the defensive line. In their pursuit to bolster these positions, Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson has emerged as a potential fit. Robinson's ability to disrupt the opposing offenses has made him a promising candidate for the Lions to consider in the upcoming draft.
A pressing issue for Detroit lies in their guard position, with Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow in need of new deals. As the team navigates through the contract negotiations, they are exploring options at the guard spot. Amongst the prospects under consideration is Connecticut's Christian Haynes. Haynes' performance at the Senior Bowl has garnered attention, with a viral video showcasing his skills.
Adding depth to the cornerback position is also a priority for the Lions, and they have their eyes on Washington State's Chau Smith-Wade. Smith-Wade's impressive 83-yard interception return during the Senior Bowl game earned him the National team's Player of the Game title. His playmaking ability and solid performance have put him on Detroit's radar.
UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu initially caught the Lions' attention during Senior Bowl practice with his speed and agility, but unfortunately had to withdraw from the week due to leg soreness. Despite the setback, his potential as a pass rusher cannot be overlooked, and he remains a prospect the Lions are monitoring.
In a bid to bolster their receiving corps, the Lions are considering Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson. Wilson's quickness, speed, and ability to play bigger than his size have drawn comparisons to Seattle Seahawks' Tyler Lockett. His potential to be an impact player on offense and special teams has piqued the interest of Detroit's scouting team.
Finally, the Lions are also exploring options to strengthen their defensive line with a potential target in Texas defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat. Sweat's versatility and prowess in stopping both the run and the pass make him an appealing prospect for the Lions as they aim to solidify their defensive unit.
As the Detroit Lions shift their focus to the draft following their remarkable playoff run, the team's management and coaching staff are conducting diligent evaluations of potential fits for their roster. With needs in key positions such as outside cornerback, edge rusher depth, defensive line, and guard, the Lions will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of talent to bolster their roster for the next season.