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The Detroit Lions have retooled their secondary in recent years, making some big investments through the draft and free agency to improve a unit that had recently been among the worst in the NFL.
They could have an even bigger move planned for later this week, with Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicting the Lions could jump into the Top-10 to land a cornerback seen as this year’s top prospect.
Lions Find Long-Term Answer at Cornerback
In an exercise suggesting a trade for every NFL draft spot in the first round, Moton predicted the Lions could move all the way up to No. 6 to land LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. Moton suggested it would take a big investment, with the Lions sending their No. 17 overall pick to the Cleveland Browns along with second-round picks in 2026 and 2027.
Moton noted that the Lions no longer have such a big need at cornerback, but could see Delane as a “win-now” move for a team looking to reopen their Super Bowl window.
“While this trade would indicate a pivot from Terrion Arnold or D.J. Reed, the Detroit Lions shouldn’t hesitate on a potential long-term upgrade at cornerback,” Moton wrote. “The Lions are in a win-now window. So don’t be surprised if they go all-in to fill a need with a top prospect to make up for Arnold’s inconsistent career start.”
Moton noted that the Lions have gotten “underwhelming” production from Arnold, especially for a first-round pick, and would soon need a replacement for the 29-year-old Reed.
“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.”
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty