Analyst doesn't think Lions have fully addressed biggest need from offseason

In what can be called a "half measure" in hindsight, the Detroit Lions signed cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in 2023 free agency. The versatile C.J. Gardner-Johnson was also a notable addition to the secondary.

Due to injuries (Moseley and Gardner-Johnson) and shoddy play (Sutton), those moves didn't work out. It's never ideal to have to address the same No. 1 weakness two offseasons in a row (cornerback), but Lions' general manager Brad Holmes didn't mess around this offseason.

After trading for Carlton Davis and signing Amik Robertson, the Lions used their first two draft picks on cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. Moseley was re-signed to add a depth option. The cornerback group looks to be talented, deep and versatile. And with Arnold and Rakestraw being rookies, and Davis possibly getting a contract extension at some point, set up solidly for the future.

Analyst doesn't seem to think Lions have addressed biggest need from last 2 offseasons

In tabbing each NFC team's biggest needs heading into the 2024 preseason, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report has cornerback No. 1 on the list for the Lions. Within the premise of roster weaknesses, options are offered to "add now", add in 2025 free agency and take in the 2025 draft.

Holder's "add now" player for the Lions is veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson.

"Cornerback was one of the biggest needs in Detroit this offseason, and while the front office spent a first-round pick on Terrion Arnold, the defense could use a veteran like Peterson to play on the other side of him."

"The 34-year-old might be past his prime, but he does have seven interceptions and 26 passes defended over the last two seasons combined. Plus, he could be a good mentor for the rookie."

Holder ignored the addition of Davis, who isn't quite a veteran of Peterson's general ilk. To say Peterson is past his prime might be an understatement, with overall PFF grades of 63 or below in three of the last four seasons.

Holder pointed to the Lions going cornerback early in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Denzel Burke out of Ohio State. Holder remembered Davis this time, but only in a passing mention to highlight the ongoing need at cornerback looking to next offseason.

"As mentioned, corner is a weakness in Detroit. The problem will only worsen in the offseason since Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley are impending free agents."

"So, the position projects to be one of the team's top draft needs and Burke received a second-round grade from B/R's Scouting Department last year before opting to stay in school."

It has to be shown on the field, and injuries can change things. But cornerback does not feel like any kind of "weakness" for the Lions, let alone a weakness that has to addressed before and after the coming season.