Allen Park — Welcome to what is simultaneously an old and new feature.
While still working at the Detroit News, I wanted to develop a series that would keep tabs on NFL draft prospects through the duration of the college football season. Two years later, I’m bringing a version of it here.
Far too often, I’d reach the finish line of the Detroit Lions season and feel wildly behind in my draft preparation with the scouting combine fast approaching. And that time crunch is worsened when the team makes the playoffs or if there’s coaching or coordinator changes to chase through January.
By maintaining a running list of prospects through the fall, and highlighting a handful each week in posts like these, we can jointly have a leg up on the draft once the offseason arrives.
Admittedly, these posts won’t be for everyone. Some of you don’t want to think about the draft until the spring. That’s OK, but that’s not how NFL front offices operate. This is the time of year when the scouts are on the road, building the reports that will fuel general manager Brad Holmes’ April’s selections.
So welcome to Week 1 of the 2027 NFL Draft watch, where we’ll feature three prospects with televised matchups who overlap with the Lions’ projected needs.
Let’s open this series by listing what I believe are shaping up to be the team’s top-five needs next offseason.
Cornerback
The Lions lack long-term stability at a position they’ve heavily invested in multiple times in recent years. Of the six corners on the current roster, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary and Khalil Dorsey are playing on expiring deals.
Two others, DJ Reed and Ennis Rakestraw are under contract through 2027. However, Reed carries a hefty option bonus of $13.65 million next year, while Rakestraw is undeniably entering a prove-it year after missing most of his first two seasons due to injuries. Maybe they both make the team’s decisions easy with their play this season, but I don’t think anyone can comfortably guarantee either is on the roster to start next year.
That leaves Keith Abney II, the rookie nickel, as the closest thing to a lock to be here in 2027.