Last week, the Detroit Lions made a hard-hitting decision to release their starting cornerback, Cameron Sutton, who faces a serious charge of domestic battery.
But while this move sent tides of surprise through the sports world, the team’s real surprise was GM Brad Holmes’ assertion at the annual league meeting that the team does not perceive cornerback as a pressing need going into the draft.
In the weeks following the start of the league, the Lions have actively adjusted their lineup, setting up a sturdy defense even in the absence of Sutton.
They landed cornerback Carlton Davis via a trade, offered a sigh of relief by bringing in Amik Robertson, and ensured continuity by re-signing Emmanuel Moseley.
These moves reflect Detroit’s readiness to deal with dynamic situations whilst emphasizing their confidence in building a formidable lineup.
Brad Holmes, the Lions’ GM, seems steadfast about the team’s well-rounded approach to the draft.
Expressing his relief, he stated, “Cornerbacks are not the only focus. You can never have enough players in different positions.”
“It’s not like, ‘Man, if we don’t …’ Look, when it comes to cornerbacks, you can never have enough of those guys, which I can say that with a lot of different positions,” Holmes said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “So I don’t think that we’ve ever went through a draft where we didn’t draft one, at least. Whether it’s a corner or a nickel, but I’ve always thought it’s good business to at least acquire one. But, again, you can never have enough of them.”
Brad Holmes: Cameron Sutton release doesn't alter how we'll approach the draft. https://t.co/CyV3f47f97
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 27, 2024
He values competition within the team and is particularly excited about the homecoming of Emmanuel Moseley, who is making commendable progress in his rehab from double ACL tears.
Despite the team’s persistent spirit and Holmes’s optimism, there are concerns to address.
“Emmanuel Moseley, there’s a reason why re re-signed him back,” Holmes said. “We felt really, really good about it, so we really like the competition that we currently have. We don’t really feel like the Cam Sutton situation really altered the landscape of how we’ll approach the draft.”
The Lions finished No. 19 in yards allowed and No. 23 in points allowed last season. Against the pass, they ended at an even lowly No. 27.
These numbers hint at an evident need to bolster the defensive side of the game and thus will probably impact the lions’ strategies in the upcoming drafts.
