Detroit Lions 2021 NFL mock draft: New top weapon for Matthew Stafford
2. Cornerback. Florida State. 804. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Asante Samuel Jr.. player
The secondary of the Detroit Lions has struggled a bit in 2020, which comes as a bit of a surprise. It has taken rookie Jeff Okudah time to get comfortable in the NFL, which is fine considering corner is such a difficult task in today’s league. Signing Desmond Trufant hasn’t worked out so far, even when he was healthy. The Lions have found their slot corner in Justin Coleman, but he’s even regressed a bit in 2020.
It’s time to find another playmaker who can help turn this defense around. Asante Samuel Jr. plays well in man coverage and in off-man where he can read the quarterback’s eyes, and shows great instincts and ball skills to create turnovers. He’d be great lined up opposite Okudah.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Safety. player. Syracuse. Andre Cisco. 3. 827
Now that the Lions have found a corner who can create turnovers, it’s time to find a true ballhawk that can play on the back end. The 2021 NFL Draft might not have the best safety class, but there are still impact playmakers to select on day two. Andre Cisco missed most of the 2020 college season, but teams know how his game translates.
Cisco is the definition of a ballhawk, and he’s shown off the ability to create turnovers, collecting seven picks his freshman year, and five more as a sophomore. He’s a natural at reading the quarterback’s eyes and isn’t afraid to come downhill and hit. Cisco needs to work on angles in the open field and become a more reliable tackler, but his knack for giving the offense more opportunities is too important to pass up.