Introduction

The Detroit Lions, after years of struggling to find consistent success, are in a somewhat enviable position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Having experienced a resurgence in recent seasons under head coach Dan Campbell, they have now put themselves in a place where they can build for sustained success. As with any team, their success is tied to the talent they have across every position, and one key area that has been a focus for Detroit in recent years is cornerback (CB).

Detroit’s secondary, while showing signs of improvement, remains an area of concern. Last year, the Lions used early-round picks to bolster the cornerback position, selecting Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr., both of whom bring a lot of promise to their defense. However, the 2025 NFL Draft presents a new opportunity to continue building on that foundation—or, if the Lions feel that they need to restart their cornerback group entirely, they could pursue one of the deep and talented cornerback classes that are on the horizon. There are numerous CB prospects who could be drafted in the early rounds, and the Lions will likely have options that will allow them to bolster their secondary for years to come.

This analysis will explore Detroit’s CB situation in depth, examine the available talent in the 2025 draft, and assess how the Lions might approach selecting a cornerback.

Current Cornerback Situation for the Lions

The Lions’ cornerback position has been one of the most debated spots on the roster. Over the past few seasons, the Lions have experienced struggles in their secondary, with inconsistent play from their cornerbacks and a lack of high-end playmakers on the outside.

1. Amani Oruwariye: Oruwariye had a promising 2021 season but his production has been up and down since then, making his future uncertain with the Lions.
2. Jeff Okudah: A former third overall pick, Okudah has shown flashes of what made him such a highly coveted prospect, but injuries and inconsistency have marred his development. His potential to become a top-tier cornerback is still there, but his future with the Lions remains uncertain.
3. C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Though typically a safety, his role as a hybrid safety-cornerback for Detroit shows their evolving approach to defense. He’s also a player who adds versatility to the secondary, covering different spots and roles. But his long-term fit as a pure corner is still under evaluation.
4. Will Harris: While Harris has shown some growth as a corner, he has been relegated to a depth role and doesn’t seem to be a long-term fixture.

With this in mind, it becomes clear that the Lions are looking for stability and playmaking ability from their cornerbacks. A cornerback in the 2025 draft could immediately challenge for a starting role, or at the very least, provide the team with a top-level rotational piece who can contribute on special teams and develop into a larger role.

Why the Lions Might Consider Cornerback in the 2025 Draft

After drafting Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. last year, the Lions could very well be content with their current CB group. However, as we’ve seen in the NFL, the landscape of cornerbacks is ever-changing, and there’s always room for more talent—especially if a high-upside prospect falls to the Lions. Additionally, with both Oruwariye and Okudah possibly on the way out after the 2024 season, there is a real chance that the Lions’ cornerback room could look very different in 2025.

Here are some reasons why the Lions may choose to pursue another CB in the 2025 Draft:

1. Rebuilding the Secondary: While the 2024 season will be pivotal for several players, including Okudah and Oruwariye, it is possible that one or both may not have a future with the team. Even if both show improvement, drafting another cornerback in 2025 would ensure the Lions are positioned well for the long term.
2. Injury Concerns: Cornerbacks are often among the most injury-prone players in the NFL, and the Lions may want to hedge their bets by taking a CB early in the draft as insurance against injuries to their current roster.
3. The Need for More Playmaking: A cornerback with excellent ball skills can be a game-changer. If the Lions want to take the next step as a defense, they’ll need more takeaways—something that top-tier cornerbacks can provide. Whether it’s through interceptions or forced fumbles, CBs who can make plays on the ball are invaluable.
4. Depth and Competition: Even if the Lions like their starters, there is always room for competition and depth. Having a strong rotation at cornerback, especially with the depth in the 2025 class, could help keep the defense fresh and improve overall team performance.

The 2025 NFL Draft Cornerback Class

The 2025 cornerback class is expected to be one of the strongest in recent memory, with numerous prospects possessing the skill set to play early in their careers. These players bring different traits to the table, from physicality and speed to ball skills and intelligence. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cornerback prospects who could catch Detroit’s eye in 2025.

1. Jalen McDaniels (USC)

Jalen McDaniels is widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 class. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a desirable option. McDaniels has a unique ability to turn with receivers and make plays on the ball, often breaking up passes or coming down with interceptions. He’s also an aggressive tackler, adding a level of physicality to his game that coaches will love.

His versatility is another trait that could fit well with the Lions’ defensive scheme, as McDaniels can line up both inside and outside. If the Lions are looking for someone who can contribute immediately, McDaniels should be at the top of their list.

2. Tyrell Jones (Georgia)

Tyrell Jones is another CB who stands out in the 2025 class. With a slightly shorter frame than McDaniels, Jones makes up for it with incredible speed and quickness. He’s known for his sticky coverage and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. His athleticism allows him to keep up with even the fastest wide receivers and make plays at the line of scrimmage.

Jones might need a little more time to develop into a true No. 1 corner, but his upside is undeniable, and he would be a great value pick for the Lions if they want to add a high-ceiling prospect to their roster.

3. Evan Jenkins (Ohio State)

Jenkins has been considered one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks in the nation for a few years now. Standing at 6’2” and possessing exceptional athleticism, he matches up well against taller, more physical wideouts. Jenkins’ ability to play press coverage and shut down the sideline is something the Lions would covet.

While his raw ability is undeniable, Jenkins still has some refining to do in terms of technique. However, his upside is immense, and many scouts expect him to be a first-round pick in the 2025 draft.

4. Amari Washington (Alabama)

Amari Washington is another cornerback to keep an eye on. He’s known for his physical play at the line of scrimmage, which makes him a strong candidate for the Lions, who value tough, aggressive players. Washington is great at using his body to knock receivers off their routes and has excellent closing speed, making him a threat to break up passes.

Although he’s not as fast as some of the other top cornerbacks in this class, his physicality and football IQ make him a viable option for a team like the Lions, who prefer a gritty defensive style.

5. Damon Harris (LSU)

Damon Harris has made a name for himself as one of the best cornerbacks in college football over the past few seasons. With elite ball skills and great anticipation, Harris can create turnovers and lock down top-tier receivers. His smooth footwork and ability to stay in-phase with wideouts make him one of the best cornerbacks in his class.

One thing that sets Harris apart is his high football IQ. He reads plays well, anticipates throws, and can make quick adjustments to his coverage. He has all the traits necessary to be an impact player at the next level, and his experience at a top program like LSU should translate well to the NFL.

How the Lions Can Approach the 2025 Draft

Given the current state of the Lions’ roster and the depth of the 2025 cornerback class, they will likely have a few different strategies available to them in the draft. Here’s a breakdown of how they could approach it.

Option 1: Taking a Cornerback Early

If the Lions believe they need to upgrade the position immediately, or if they are unsure about the future of players like Okudah and Oruwariye, they could look to take one of the top CBs in the first round. The first-round options like McDaniels, Jones, or Jenkins could come in and start from day one, giving the Lions an instant upgrade at a key position.

Option 2: Addressing Other Positions First, Then CB

With the Lions already having invested early picks in the cornerback position in the previous year, they might prioritize other needs—such as offensive line or linebacker—in the first round, especially if they’re happy with their current CB group. They could then target a cornerback in the middle rounds of the draft, looking for value and a developmental player who could grow into a starting role in a year or two.

Option 3: Trading Up for a Top CB

If a top-tier cornerback falls unexpectedly, the Lions could look to move up in the draft to secure that player. This aggressive approach could work if they are firmly committed to upgrading the secondary to a championship-level unit.

The Detroit Lions are in an intriguing position as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft, with a variety of strategies at their disposal when it comes to addressing the cornerback position. Whether they opt to go with a high-impact cornerback early, develop talent later in the draft, or take another route entirely, their approach will shape the future of their defense. The 2025 cornerback class is filled with top talent, and the Lions will have plenty of options to choose from as they continue to build a championship-caliber roster.