“Widely considered the top cornerback in this class, Mansoor Delane can provide an immediate impact,” Moton wrote. “Over the last two years, he showcased his ball skills, logging 18 pass breakups and six interceptions.”
Moton is known for his physical style, which would be a natural fit for the style crafted under head coach Dan Campbell.
Lions Could Stay Put, Land New Cornerback
Other analysts believe the Lions will address their secondary needs with the first-round pick, but stay in their original draft slot to do it. Josh Edwards of CBS Sports predicted in February the Lions would target Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell with the No. 17 overall pick, landing a potential Week 1 starter.
“Terrion Arnold has struggled to stay healthy, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has been a non-factor since the team double-dipped in the draft,” Edwards wrote. “Rock Ya-Sin and others in depth roles are slated to hit free agency. Avieon Terrell provides immediate support.”
The Lions could also choose to address other roster needs. ESPN’s Eric Woodyard noted that they need several positions aside from cornerback, including a few areas along the offensive line.
“OL, edge, CB. After struggling to adapt to new faces on the line last season and the release of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit can benefit from drafting an O-lineman early,” Woodyard wrote. “Adding an edge rusher to pair with Pro Bowl player Aidan Hutchinson would also be smart, as Al-Quadin Muhammad signed with Tampa Bay. Plus, the Lions’ cornerback room was plagued by injuries the past couple of seasons.”