7 Players Lions Should Watch in Week 4
As the season rolls on, the Detroit Lions will remain active on the scouting trail, in search of Brad Holmes' next top draft pick.
How much attention top players get from the organization will depend on Detroit's success. A better record means a lower selection, which would be ideal for Holmes and company.
Regardless, there's plenty of top talent on display in Saturday's slate of college football. Here are seven players the Lions should watch in Week 4.
Michigan State RB Nathan Carter
Game: 3:30 p.m. Saturday vs. Maryland (NBC, Peacock)
The Lions have two options in the backfield they trust. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery both offer reliability, but the depth behind them remains uncertain.
Craig Reynolds has been a productive third option, but the Lions could benefit from adding another option to the backfield. In each of the last two seasons, they have brought in an undrafted rookie.
If they were to add another player to the mix, Carter is a perfect fit. He has proven to be an explosive player since transferring to the Spartans, and could be a late-round target.
In three games this season, Carter has rushed for 272 yards and four touchdowns. He has dabbled in the passing game, but would be a power back that could take the load off Montgomery on carries between the tackles.
Florida State DE Jared Verse
Game: Noon at Clemson (ABC)
Aidan Hutchinson needs a running mate. The Michigan product has seen heavy attention throughout the season's first two games.
A player like Verse, who is projected to be one of the first defensive players taken in the draft, would fit perfectly. The Florida State Seminoles defender had nine sacks last season.
Florida State has a big game Saturday against ACC powerhouse Clemson. It will provide Verse with the opportunity to make a statement. He currently leads the Seminoles in pressures, and has the chance to boost his stock with a good game against Cade Klubnik and company.
Michigan WR Roman Wilson
Game: Noon vs. Rutgers (Big Ten Network)
Michigan's most productive receiver has been Wilson, who has already surpassed his previous career high in touchdowns through three games this season.
He's a speedy wideout who brings both vertical elements, as well as speed in open space. Wilson is tough to bring down -- because of his shiftiness -- and has reliable hands.
The Lions have actively looked to add speed at skill positions through the draft. Wilson is a local product who would fit that mold, and he could add another level of explosiveness to Detroit's passing game.
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
Game: 3:30 p.m. vs. Ole Miss (CBS)
McKinstry bounced back from a difficult game against Texas, with a strong showing against USF. Now, he faces a solid Ole Miss offense in Alabama's SEC opener.
The cornerback currently has a 75.8 overall coverage grade through his first three games in 2023. He's allowed seven completions on 10 passes targeted at him, a number that must improve if he wants to be one of the top cornerbacks selected.
Detroit is facing a crossroads at its cornerback position. Emmanuel Moseley was signed to be the team's No. 2 option, but he has yet to play a snap throughout the first three weeks. In the meantime, Moseley continues to rehab his injury.
If Moseley doesn't pan out, the Lions will likely be in the market for a top corner, and McKinstry could fit that bill.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.
Game: 10:30 p.m. vs. California (ESPN)
While the Lions are certainly in good shape from a quarterback standpoint, Penix is a passer worth watching throughout the season. The lefty has been sharp throughout the early portion of the season, tossing 12 touchdowns against one interception.
Penix has had a career trajectory similar to that of 2022 Lions draft pick Hendon Hooker. In his sixth season, he's already surpassed 1,000 passing yards through the first three games.
Time will tell which direction the Lions go at quarterback, with Goff's contract expiring after next season. If Brad Holmes and company are looking to add quality depth, though, Penix is certainly a player worth following.
Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders
Game: 7:30 p.m. at Baylor (ESPN)
Sanders is an intriguing tight end prospect who has shown some development as a run-blocker while providing a solid target in the passing game.
Currently, he has a 69.3 overall run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in addition to his production as a receiver. The Longhorn has also caught seven passes for 158 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions have a solid starter in Sam LaPorta, but the depth beyond him remains up for grabs. Brock Wright has been a sturdy run blocker but lacks the threatening ability in the pass game, while James Mitchell remains unproven in his second season.
As a result, a player like Sanders could be a solid fit moving into the future.
Alabama OT JC Latham
Game: 3:30 p.m. vs. Ole Miss (CBS)
In Penei Sewell, the Lions have a franchise tackle. However, Taylor Decker has one year remaining on his contract and has struggled with injuries as of late. The veteran has been excellent for the Lions and could warrant an extension, but the Lions could benefit from adding more depth.
Latham would provide quality young depth who could learn from Decker and Sewell while getting reps in the event of one being unavailable.
He currently has an 82.1 pass-blocking grade, which is one of the best in the country amongst qualified linemen.
