Allen Park — This week’s mock draft roundup has two favourites, but the Detroit Lions’ options have evolved from practically all defence to all over the board following two weeks of free agency.
The Lions have had another hectic week as well. They signed Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler on a one-year contract, providing a short-term solution to their need for another starter on the offensive line. They also released starting cornerback Cam Sutton, who is still wanted by authorities in Florida. Sutton signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lions this time last year, so this is a significant turnaround.
Mocked by: NFL’s Daniel Jeremiah, Walter Football, Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt, and FTN Fantasy’s Jeff Ratcliffe.
Despite a fractured foot, Kool-Aid McKinstry had a successful Pro Day, running a 4.47-second 40-yard sprint. According to national media, the cornerback is expected to be ready for training camp. According to NFL Network, McKinstry will undergo surgery on Friday to resolve the issue.
Even before cutting Sutton, the Lions were likely still looking for a cornerback, so this makes sense. They signed free agent Amik Robertson and traded for Carlton Davis III, who is now listed as CB1. McKinstry was a previous highly anticipated blue-chip recruit who delivered on his promises. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound cornerback finished his college career as PFF’s 12th-best cornerback, and is ranked No. 40 in 2022.
It’s an easy fit to like, and it makes more sense following the previous week.
Similar to the predicament at cornerback, the Lions still require another pass rusher in the short and long term. In free agency, they signed Marcus Davenport, the excellent but frequently injured edge defender, to a one-year agreement. Davenport could bring a spark, no question, but injuries have made it difficult to rely on him for more than a few games. And the one-year agreement maintains the need at the top of the list in Detroit.
