Lions Plan to Focus on ‘Lightning Speed’ to Start Strengthening Pass Defense

Adding a single player is unlikely to improve the Detroit Lions’ pass defense.

According to CBS Sports’ Kyle Stackpole, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins might help improve the NFL’s 27th-ranked secondary in passing yards allowed last season.

In his February 16 NFL mock draft, Stackpole ranked Wiggins as the 29th overall pick.

“If the Lions want to make their first Super Bowl appearance, they’ll need their pass defense to be better,” he said. “Nate Wiggins, with his 6-foot-2 frame and lightning speed, would be a great start toward improving the secondary.”

Stackpole, along with The Ringer’s Ben Solak and NFLmocks.com’s Cody Spears, have anticipated Wiggins as the Lions’ No. 29 overall pick since the Super Bowl.

Nate Wiggins’ Possible 2024 Draft Positions

In recent NFL drafts, there have been clear-cut picks at cornerback. That does not appear to be the case this year, however.

Not that the 2024 draft class lacks quality cornerback prospects. On January 30, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah selected five cornerbacks among his top 32 players.

However, with no clear top cornerback or top tier at the position this season, it’s difficult to forecast where any cornerback prospect will end up.

ESPN ranks Wiggins as the best cornerback and No. 11 overall recruit in the 2024 class.Pro Football Focus ranks Wiggins as the second-best cornerback and No. 13 overall.

With those ratings, it becomes doubtful that he will slip to the Lions at No. 29.

According to Bleacher Report’s draft rankings, Wiggins is ranked eighth among cornerbacks and 50th overall.Jeremiah has ranked Wiggins fifth at cornerback and 30th overall.

Wiggins’ draft stock is controversial, so it will be intriguing to watch how he performs during offseason workouts. These performances could dramatically alter his draft position.

It might also influence if the Lions consider Wiggins as a draft target.

How Wiggins Might Fit With the Lions

While Detroit’s interest in Wiggins has not been determined, the Lions are a good fit for any cornerback in the first round of the NFL Draft.

In 2023, the Lions were 27th in pass defense and 29th in net yards allowed per pass attempt. They also allowed 28 throwing touchdowns. Only five teams allowed more.

Landing Wiggins would also offer the Lions pace, which they lacked in their secondary last season.

“Wiggins is a tall and long cornerback with exceptional speed. Jeremiah wrote, “He is effective in press coverage.” “Overall, Wiggins is dripping with athleticism and physical traits, but he needs to be more invested in the run game.”

The Lions were determined to stop the run in 2023. They ranked fifth in running yards allowed and yards per carry. Additionally, no team allowed fewer running touchdowns.

One major problem with Detroit’s decision to choose Wiggins is that it may hurt the team’s defense. However, the return of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn may alleviate this concern.

Any potential the Lions target late in the first round will be a work in progress.

However, if it is a speedy cornerback who can contribute meaningfully to pass coverage, the Detroit defense will be taking a step in the right direction.