Give Lions' general manager Brad Holmes this: He goes to great lengths to explain the Lions' draft philosophy.
It's not complex. He feels strongly the Lions should take the top player available regardless of position, even if it is one filled, rather than stretch for a lesser player at a position of need.
It makes perfect sense, as it does trusting his staff's analysis and his own instincts based on experience, rather than worrying about the projections and perceptions of pundits and fans.
The Lions have hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in Holmes' first three drafts. Subsequently, the Lions have gone from long-time laughingstocks to genuine Super Bowl contenders.
But this NFL Draft has a different dynamic. The Lions are drafting near the end of the first round rather than the beginning. And the goal has gone more from just gathering talent to putting the finishing touches on a championship team.
When Holmes and Dan Campbell took over, every position represented a need for the Lions.
Now they have a number of places of real strength (offensive line, running back, tight end, quarterback) and solid units (wide receiver, defensive line, linebacker). However, they have glaring needs in the secondary, particularly at outside cornerback. It's the final piece.
Holmes selected just two cornerbacks in his first three drafts, Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has been moved to safety where he starts, and seventh-rounder Chase Lucas.
He has relied on free agency to paste and tape the spot. The Lions were well-above average throwing and running the ball, and stopping the run in 2023. They were among the worst in the NFL at defending the pass.
Free agents Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson will help, but are temporary and not high-end solutions. That must come from the draft.
Odds are high the Lions will draft a cornerback or two. Less certain is who and where.
It is not only a need, but a position of depth. So it's unnecessary to reach.
There are four obvious high-end corners in this draft. Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo) and Cooper DeJean (Iowa) are freakish athletes whose college production matches their physical measurements. Alabama's Terrion Arnold is not as big and fast as Mitchell and DeJean, but is incredibly fluid in movement and instinctive. His teammate, Kool-Aid McKinstry, is exceptional at mimicking receiver movements. Any would be a solid first-round pick for the Lions at 29, but unlikely to be there. It is not out of the realm of possibility the Lions will trade up for one of the Top 4.
The most underrated corner fitting the Lions' need is T.J. Tampa (Iowa State). He is a taller corner, strong and very tough in press coverage. He is also adroit at setting the edge and an excellent tackler.
Tampa and Kamari Lassiter (Georgia), who has an exceptional size and agility equation, provide flexibility for the Lions. The Lions could trade down the first day to add an interior offensive lineman, edge or outside receiver, and still get an impact outside corner. Max Melton (Rutgers) tested off the charts and played well. A team will draft Nate Wiggins (Clemson) high because of his sizzling speed, but he is just 173 pounds, an understated concern.
There tends to be a run on corners in the draft, usually at some point early the second day. Reading when that run occurs could be the key for Holmes, who has a knack for making draft day deals.
But he should be able to stick to his draft principles and still fill by far the Lions' most obvious need.
