7 Cornerbacks Lions Should Watch at NFL Combine

Top CB prospects include McKinstry, Wiggins.

The cornerback position is one that the Detroit Lions will have their eyes on early in the NFL Draft. As evidenced by their struggles at the position last year, the organization needs to add top-tier talent before making a Super Bowl push in 2024. 

Cam Sutton is a bounce-back candidate for 2024, and Kindle Vildor can provide solid depth. However, there are several options in this year's draft class that could wind up being elite shutdown corners at the NFL level. 

Here are seven cornerbacks the Lions should keep a close eye on at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. 

Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

McKinstry is one-half of an exceptional cornerback duo that took the field at Alabama last season. He and Terrion Arnold combined to give the Crimson Tide two potential first-round picks in April. 

He has flashed elite, shut-down corner ability and was atop many popular outlet's Draft rankings at the beginning of the season. While he remains one of the best prospects at his position, his name isn't at the top of the class amidst several risers. 

The first-team All-American will have the chance to show off his athleticism in Indianapolis and can remind many why he was the top player in the group not long ago. 

Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Wiggins is built in a similar mold to McKinstry, with excellent length and leverage in man-to-man coverage. However, the Clemson product appears faster on tape, and could be the fastest player at the position at the combine. 

The Lions play plenty of man coverage, so he fits naturally. Yet, he can improve with his physicality and technique as he remains somewhat of a raw athlete. Still, his athletic potential is exciting and he has the tools of a shutdown corner at the next level. 

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

Rakestraw rose through the season, as Missouri enjoyed a banner campaign, particularly on defense. He doesn't have flashy stats when it comes to interceptions or passes defensed, but his tape shows a player that is unafraid of playing physical in the run game. 

The Lions desire this level of physicality, as they want corners and safeties who are not hesitant to break downfield and deliver a hit in the run game. Rakestraw's compact, 6-foot frame allows him to pack a punch while still holding his own in coverage.

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Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

The top Group of Five cornerback prospect had an excellent 2023 season at Toledo. Mitchell allowed an NFL passer rating of 51.1, according to Pro Football Focus, and a 43.5 completion percentage on passes thrown his way. 

Mitchell did not allow a touchdown pass this season while earning a 91.6 coverage grade. He is another willing contributor in the run game and has been a trendy mock draft pick for the Lions during the pre-draft process. 

While he has a skill set the Lions covet, there's no guarantee he's available for the team at the 29th pick. His showing in Indianapolis can prove that, despite not playing at a Power Five level of competition, he is on par athletically with the best of the best.

Cooper DeJean, Iowa

DeJean was a huge part of yet another elite Iowa defense in 2023. He was a ballhawk, intercepting four passes while also using his elite athleticism to make plays in the punt return game for the Hawkeyes. 

There are questions about where DeJean will play at the next level, as some believe his traits make him a better fit as a safety for NFL defenses. Still, there's plenty of athleticism with this player and potential for him to be an elite shutdown corner. 

Kalen King, Penn State

King is an interesting case. He looked like one of the better prospects in the draft class last season, but came back down to Earth in 2023. Some of that may have to do with the departure of Joey Porter Jr. to the Draft after last season. 

Still, there are intriguing tools that King has that project to make him successful at the next level. He has good feet while not possessing elite speed, yet can track and cover short routes with ease. 

If King can test well and put together good reps during his on-field drills, optimism will likely be restored surrounding a one-time top prospect. 

Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas

McGlothern had elite production in coverage for the Razorbacks this season, notching three interceptions while allowing a NFL passer rating of just 51.2, according to PFF. 

His abilities as a ballhawk, with eight career interceptions, make him an intriguing mid-round prospect who could generate more buzz with a good week in Indianapolis. 

While he's known to be good in coverage, he can benefit from showing off some of his agility, as well as strength, during the testing portion of his combine workout.