5 draft prospects the Detroit Lions should easily avoid in 2024 NFL Draft

1. Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

Coming out of the NFL Combine, after he suffered a groin/hip flexor injury running a 4.28 40-yard dash, Wiggins looked like a cornerback prospect the Lions should avoid at all costs. He has been tied to the Lions in some mock drafts, before that and since. That feels like a consolation to the deep class at the position and having to settle for the "next best guy" late in the first round, in the name of a need. A deeper look reveals how poor a fit he is.

Holmes and new defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend have clearly stated they want cornerbacks who are physical and good tacklers. Wiggins rooted in how slight he is (6-foot-1, but 173 pounds), was not productive in that area at Clemson and his run defense grades from PFF were not great (65.4 last year).

Wiggins has the coverage skills to be a top-end NFL cornerback, and he will probably be a first-round pick. Ideally though, he will be able to add some good weight to hold up against bigger receivers and best reach his full potential.

A deep draft class at cornerback is great news for the Lions, and they don't have to settle for a bad fit late in the first round. If Wiggins isn't down their draft board so far that they won't be taking him, it's be surprising.