This summer, the Detroit Lions moved quickly to address their cornerback shortage, acquiring Carlton Davis from the Buccaneers and signing Amik Robertson (formerly of the Raiders). Then Cameron Sutton’s abrupt departure, following the issuance of an arrest warrant and his release, created another gap.
There are some intriguing prospects to sign or trade for, but the Lions may now be looking to the draft later this month to add another notable cornerback. Fortunately for them, the draft class at the position is incredibly deep, with strong choices available from Day 1 through Day 3.
Eric Galko of CBS Sports has provided player comparisons for the top twenty non-quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft. The comparison to one of the top cornerback prospects may pique the Lions’ interest, particularly that of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Aaron Glenn may be interested in a player comparison for a top cornerback prospect.
Quinyon Mitchell could be the first cornerback selected in this year’s draft, and he’s almost certain to be a top 10-15 pick. Galko’s comp for him is a guy Glenn is quite familiar with.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: Marshon Lattimore
Quinyon Mitchell, the near-consensus best cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft, has dominated the draft process and possesses excellent man-coverage ability as well as the size and agility required to be an impact cornerback. Quinyon Mitchell, like Marshon Lattimore, can lead an NFL defense as a cornerback and should not be drafted outside of the top ten.
As the Lions entered the summer with a significant need at cornerback, Lattimore quickly emerged as someone they may trade for. Glenn and Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell were on the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff for Lattimore’s first four seasons, when he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year (2017) and selected to three Pro Bowls (2017, 2019, and 2020).
Glenn was the Saints’ defensive backs coach during the run that launched Lattimore’s career.
Mitchell (6-foot, 195 pounds) and Lattimore (6-foot, 192 pounds) are nearly identical physically, with similar skill sets. They even had comparable 40-yard dash numbers at the NFL Combine (4.33 for Mitchell and 4.36 for Lattimore).
The Lions are undoubtedly conducting thorough research on all of the top cornerback prospects in this year’s draft. Mitchell will be long gone before the 29th overall pick, but a trade up for him is not out of the question. If Glenn provides a specific endorsement behind the scenes, perhaps with a comparison to Lattimore, that would naturally cement Mitchell’s status as a trade up target.
