Roundtable: Developmental Prospects Who Could Help Lions' Defense

Evaluating late-round players who could help Lions' defense.

Nov 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive end Brennan Jackson (80). / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

1.) Are you surprised by the NFL only wanting 15 players to attend the draft this year? Only 13 accepted an invite.

John Maakaron: I am a little surprised the league only wanted 15 players to attend the draft. It is understandable prospects want to share a major accomplishment with friends and family. But, the league could invite 30 players and let them decide if they want to travel to the host city. 

Christian Booher: I am surprised that so few prospects were invited, but I'm not surprised that fewer are attending. For one, the once of a lifetime memory seems to be something that is best enjoyed with family in friends as opposed to traveling, in some cases, across the country.

What I am surprised by is the fact that so little were invited to take in the experience. Maybe there are constraints as it pertains to the event in Detroit, but with how big the event is I would think that more prospects would be invited.

2.) In what round should the Lions target a wide receiver?

Maakaron: With the depth at the position this year, general manager Brad Holmes can target a wide receiver in the fourth round again this year. Recall, Holmes and the front office were able to land Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round back in 2021. 

Booher: I think the Lions would get more value targeting a wide receiver in the middle rounds. There are plenty of talented options, so passing on one in round one to take a more premium player would be the move in my opinion.

I expect there to be a run on receivers, such as Roman Wilson and Ladd McConkey, in the early second round. Detroit would benefit from getting in on that and adding a talented piece such as Xavier Leggette.

3.) Do you think Jared Goff should keep receipts on media still?

Maakaron: I believe Goff should use whatever he needs to motivate himself to be a great player. The media has been taking shots for years, so what’s a few more?

But it would be nice if a player like the starting quarterback of an NFL team acknowledged the positive things written about him also. In my opinion, media coverage in Detroit is fair. 

Booher: I don't have a problem with Goff keeping a chip on his shoulder, especially with regards to the media. Athletes find ways to motivate themselves. If proving people wrong is his chosen method, then he should continue to do so.

Goff has proven a lot of people wrong since coming to Detroit. As a result, I have no qualms with his victory lap of sorts. With that said, I also believe that the media is fair.

4.) Is there a player the Lions should target in later rounds as a developmental player?

Maakaron: Washington State edge rusher Brennan Jackson is a prospect that plays with relentless energy and should catch the attention of Detroit’s coaching staff. 

According to many scouts, the talented defensive lineman must still develop his pass rush skills at the next level. In Detroit, Jackson would match up against one of then best offensive line units in the NFL, quickly sharpening his vast skill set. 

Booher: One of my favorite parts of the pre-Draft process is the ability to dive in on developmental and late-round potential picks for the Lions. As a result, I have compiled several that I believe to be intriguing.

CFL cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers would be a dream developmental selection, but the amount of visits he's taken leads me to believe he could go earlier than many expect him to in the Draft. Jalyx Hunt, an EDGE rusher, is an intriguing prospect who converted from safety and has all the athletic tools.

Another that has recently began to generate steam is offensive tackle Giovanni Manu, who has athletic traits and the potential to develop into a standout.

5.) Which player on the last year of their deal has most to prove this season?

Maakaron: Levi Onwuzurike has battled back from injuries to get back out of the field. This season, the former second round draft pick must contribute on a consistent basis to potentially earn another contract in Motown. 

He has played just 26 career games over his first three seasons, and has 40 career tackles. In 10 games last season, Onwuzurike had a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 68.5.

Booher: I'll stay with the defensive line and say John Cominsky. The defensive end has been productive in each of his two campaigns in Detroit, but his role diminshed last year. With the addition of Marcus Davenport and potentially a player in the Draft, Cominsky will have to battle for his spot in Detroit's defensive rotation.