Lions Select Iowa State Cornerback in the Most...

In the most recent mock draft that ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has produced, the Lions address their secondary weakness.

T.J. Tampa, an Iowa State cornerback, was acquired by the Lions with the 29th overall selection.

“Here’s a corner who might be going a little under the radar,” says Kiper. “Tampa can get going for a team right away. He saw every route while playing nearly 900 coverage snaps for the Cyclones. In 2021, he was the closest defender in coverage and gave up four touchdown passes; the following two seasons, he only gave up three. He really improved in 2023. Tampa only had three interceptions in his collegiate career, but I believe he may have greater success in the NFL.”

Detroit’s secondary woes from the previous season were evident, as the squad frequently took advantage of holes in defence when they had the chance.

After Jerry Jacobs sustained an injury at the end of the season, Aaron Glenn turned to Cam Sutton and Kindle Vildor in an attempt to salvage the season.

Teams learned how to target Detroit’s secondary on a weekly basis, forcing Glenn to juggle his players’ skill levels.

A young cornerback might be added, although perhaps later in the draft, despite general manager Brad Holmes’ preference to address team needs through free agency.

In Kiper’s opinion, Tampa is a player that can step in right away for Glenn in the defensive end.

“Detroit struggled last season in the secondary, finishing 30th in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,081), as I noted in my mock draft in January. It can obtain an instant starter at this point.”