Aubrey Pleasant’s firing begins Detroit Lions’ pondering of secondary overhaul

Potential Lions 2023 NFL draft targets

The Lions seem headed for a top-five pick in next April’s draft, if not No. 1 overall, so it’s difficult to see them selecting a defensive back with their own first-round pick. Chances are high the Lions take a quarterback with one of the their two first round picks (the second first-round pick from the Rams currently sits at No. 13 overall).

But with an early pick in subsequent rounds, Brad Holmes and his staff should look to add some playmakers to the defensive backfield in the Lions 2023 NFL Draft.

Eli Ricks, CB, Alaabama, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds

2022 portal transfer from LSU, Ricks has started to come on for the Crimson Tide. Last week he captured the starting spot opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry and balled out,  allowing one catch with four passes deflected.

The former Freshman All-American (Football Writers Association of America) could be an intriguing contingency plan in case the Lions don’t resign Amani Oruwariye. Here’s an evaluation of Ricks by CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Josh Edwards:

"“The LSU transfer had been productive dating back to his true freshman season; a sentence used to describe Derek Stingley Jr. and Sauce Gardner as well. He is physical and has great size for the position. Ricks displays good top-end speed and average burst. His balance is average to below average and route runners can leverage him at the stem. He gets his eyes back to the quarterback as evidenced by five interceptions across the first two years with the Tigers.” — CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Josh Edwards"

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan, 6-foot, 185 pounds

Difference maker so far in the Wolverines undefeated season. Blessed with unheard of speed Turner appears on Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, annual Freak List:

"Per Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List – ranked #31. He wrote, “He is the fastest guy on the Wolverines, having hit 23.07 mph on the GPS and run a 4.28 40 — out of a two-point stance, no less. His 3-cone time is even more stunning. He clocked a 6.29 this offseason, and strength coaches think he has a good shot at besting the combine record of 6.28, set in 2018 by Oklahoma’s Jordan Thomas."

Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds

One area the Lions have a glaring need in their secondary is at nickel corner. Hodges-Tomlinson and his 4.3 speed and shiftiness could be a viable option.

If DNA counts towards anything, hopefully some of uncle Ladainian Tomlinson’s talent extends through the family tree.

Potential 2023 free agent targets

While this list is subject to change with potential extensions and re-signings, here are some of the top defensive backs the Lions could have on their radar in 2023 free agency.

Keeping with the identity of maintaining a younger crop of players, I have omitted players over 30 years old.

1.       S Jessie Bates, Cincinnati Bengals, Age 26
2.      S Mike Edwards, Tamp Bay Buccaneers, Age 27
3.      S  Vonn Bell, Cincinnati Bengals, Age 28
4.       CB Rock Ya-Sin, Las Vegas Raiders, Age 27
5.       CB Emanuel Moseley, San Francisco 49ers, Age 27