2025 NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Cornerback<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s group of cornerbacks is a strong collection of talent with some solid depth.<\/p>\n
While not as deep as last year\u2019s class\u2014where seven cornerbacks made NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah\u2019s initial Top 50 list\u2014this year still features high-end talent. Last year’s list included Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Detroit\u2019s top two draft selections.<\/p>\n
Jeremiah has five true cornerbacks in his Top 50 this year, not counting Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who is listed as a wide receiver.<\/p>\n
The Lions\u2019 need at cornerback will hinge on two main questions: 1. Will they re-sign veteran Carlton Davis III in free agency? 2. Is Rakestraw ready to step into a bigger role?<\/p>\n
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Top 5 Cornerbacks to Watch at the Combine:<\/p>\n
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado, 6-1, 185<\/p>\n
Hunter improved significantly on defense in 2024 compared to 2023. His ball skills separate him from the rest, making him the top receiver prospect as well. He recorded four interceptions and defended 11 passes last season\u2014all while playing a full offensive workload. In the NFL, he may need to choose between being a full-time receiver or a part-time cornerback.<\/p>\n
2. Will Johnson, Michigan, 6-2, 202<\/p>\n
Johnson\u2019s combination of size, speed, technique, and ball production makes him highly coveted. He was a playmaker in both man and zone coverage for Michigan, a skill set NFL teams value. He needs to prove he’s fully recovered from the turf toe injury that sidelined him most of the season. If medical evaluations check out, he should be a Top 15 pick.<\/p>\n
3. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, 6-0, 190<\/p>\n
Scouts believe Morrison excels as an off-ball corner rather than in man coverage, which may limit his NFL scheme fits. However, his ball production is unquestioned\u2014he’s tallied nine interceptions and defended 18 passes over 31 games at Notre Dame.<\/p>\n
4. Jahdae Barron, Texas, 5-11, 200<\/p>\n
Barron is likely the most NFL-ready nickel corner in the draft. His physicality and instincts stand out in both the pass and run game. However, his 40-yard dash time at the Combine will be crucial, as some evaluators question his top-end speed.<\/p>\n
5. Azareye\u2019h Thomas, Florida State, 6-2, 198<\/p>\n
Thomas has ideal length and strength, excelling in press-man coverage. Among all cornerbacks, his 40-yard dash time might be the most critical. He plays a physical brand of football, which suits the NFL, but he must prove he can keep up with speedy receivers. A strong performance could push him up draft boards.<\/p>\n
Combine Sleeper to Watch: Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, 6-1, 186<\/p>\n
Hairston, a West Bloomfield product, is slightly thinner than teams prefer for an outside corner but possesses excellent ball skills. Over the past two seasons, he recorded six interceptions, returning three for touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks had a 67.5 passer rating against him in 2023 and 78.2 last season, per Pro Football Focus. However, teams will need to determine if he can hold up against the run.<\/p>\n
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Lions\u2019 Need at the Position: Undetermined<\/p>\n
The biggest factor in Detroit\u2019s cornerback needs is what they decide with Davis in free agency. Before breaking his jaw in December, Davis played at a Pro Bowl level. At just 28, he will have strong interest from teams across the league.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought we got really good play from him,\u201d Lions GM Brad Holmes said. \u201cHonestly, I think he played better this year than his final year in Tampa, and he would agree.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holmes noted that the team is evaluating players with expiring contracts, including Davis and guard Kevin Zeitler.<\/p>\n
Arnold has shown he can be a solid starter, and Detroit is excited about his development. Amik Robertson, a key free-agent signing last season, proved he can play both nickel and outside corner. He will return in 2025.<\/p>\n
Then there\u2019s Rakestraw. The second-round rookie played in just eight games and 46 defensive snaps, largely due to injuries. He was expected to start at nickel early in the season but suffered a hamstring injury in warmups, allowing Robertson to secure the role. His Year 2 development will be crucial to Detroit\u2019s depth and talent at cornerback.<\/p>\n
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Key Stat:<\/p>\n
Detroit finished tied for the fifth-most interceptions in the NFL with 16, but only two came from cornerbacks\u2014both by Davis. However, Davis, Arnold, and Robertson combined for 29 passes defended.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
2025 NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Cornerback This year\u2019s group of cornerbacks is a strong collection of talent with some solid depth. While not as deep as last year\u2019s class\u2014where seven cornerbacks made NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah\u2019s initial Top 50 list\u2014this year still features high-end talent. Last year’s list included Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[378],"tags":[2651],"class_list":["post-26143","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-detroit-lions","tag-2024-25-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n