2015 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay Likes CB for Detroit Lions

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay released his first 2015 NFL mock draft of this cycle and with the 26th pick in the draft, he has the Detroit Lions selecting…

Marcus Peters, Cornerback, Washington. McShay explains:

"It seems like every draft season we discuss the Lions’ need for a cornerback, and this year is no different. Peters was dismissed from the UW program midseason after being held out multiple times for team rules violations, so teams will need to be comfortable with his character and intangibles to draft him. But as a talent he has what you’re looking for, with very good athleticism and prototypical size for the position."

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Cornerback has been a popular position for Lions in mock drafts for at least three years now. Fortunately, that perceived need has been overstated given the development of Darius Slay and the resilience of Rashean Mathis’ career. The Lions have made a habit of drafting corners, but haven’t done so with a high pick other than Slay. Given the results that strategy has netted and the age of Mathis, it is time to find another young corner to pair with Slay.

Is Peters the guy, as McShay suggests? Time will tell but McShay correctly notes the red flags that need to be thoroughly vetted. According to Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times, Peters’ time at Washington came to an end because of the inability to get along with the new coaching staff – an issue Brewer blames solely on Peters rather than head coach Chris Petersen and his staff:

"He wasn’t the victim of an oppressive new system. He didn’t get booted off the team because he couldn’t play for an uncaring dictator eager to bring in his own players.Instead, Peters resisted change so much that he ruined his final season at Washington.His argument at practice was at least the third such incident of the season."

Can the Lions – or any team drafting Peters – count on him to come in as a rookie with teachable spirit and take the lumps and criticism that any rookie will face? That’s a huge question to answer and while he will attempt to in interviews at the combine, it is something he won’t be able to ultimately answer until after a team is willing to step out in faith on draft day.

ESPN Insider subscribers can check out McShay’s full mock on ESPN.com.

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