The Detroit Lions revamped their secondary during the 2024 offseason.
With the additions of Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Terrion Arnold, and Ennis Rakestraw, there was significant competition at the cornerback position for the defense as the season approached. Davis, Arnold, and Robertson all had significant contributions, while Rakestraw’s debut season was affected by injuries.
As 2025 approaches, Davis will become a free agent, whereas Robertson, Arnold, and Rakestraw all remain under contract. Davis was the leading cornerback for the team last year until he sustained a season-ending fractured jaw, meaning the Lions could gain from increasing depth at that position.
One method to achieve this could be via the draft. Should the Lions decide to select a cornerback early, Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina might be a possible choice.
Revel was recently ridiculed in a seven-round mock draft forecast for Detroit by Josh Liskiewitz of Pro Football Focus.
“Liskiewitz stated that Revel tore his ACL in September, which kept him out for the majority of the 2024 season, yet his performance in 2023 positioned him among the top players in the nation.” “He compelled incompletions on 26% of passes thrown into his coverage, placing ninth in college football—only one percentage point behind Super Bowl-bound Quinyon Mitchell.”
Revel is a player that aligns with the Lions’ defensive approach as a physical, press-focused cornerback. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he possesses the ideal build to contest speedy and tall wide receivers at the line of scrimmage.
His tale is equally captivating. Following his time at Louisburg College, he started his career at East Carolina, mainly participating in special teams. In 2023, he secured a starting position with the Pirates and became the team’s top cover corner
In that season, Revel recorded 54 tackles, which featured four for loss, 13 passes defended, and one interception over 12 games. He began 2024 with a strong performance, recording two interceptions in his initial three games, but then endured a season-ending torn ACL during practice.
According to PFF, Revel permitted an opposing completion rate of 38.1 percent (8-out-of-21) on passes directed at him over three games this season. He recorded two passes defended and returned one of his two interceptions 50 yards for a touchdown.
The injury will undoubtedly raise worries among front offices, yet his playing style would fit well with Detroit. The Lions and general manager Brad Holmes have a track record of risking selections in the Draft on players with injury backgrounds, and Revel presents a high potential that justifies this approach.
The NFL Combine will be significant for him, as he will have an opportunity to undergo medical assessments regarding his recovery status from the injury he sustained in September.
As with many corners who excel in man coverage, Revel must improve the zone component of his skill set. His physical style might also cause him to become too handsy on routes, resulting in penalties at the NFL level.
Nonetheless, he exhibits the necessary confidence that could result in success at the NFL level. Revel aligns with what the Lions require from a playing style standpoint and possesses the physical attributes to evolve into a solid cornerback.
The Lions must keep building quality depth, especially on the defensive side. Thus, selecting Revel would be reasonable if no preferred edge rushers are accessible for Detroit in the first round.
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