4th round: Michael Ojemudia, Iowa
A seasoned press-man corner with optimal length and a decent track record in the Big 10, Ojemudia certainly checks the length and athleticism boxes for the Lions.
The on-field game doesn’t always play to the athletic potential, which is why Ojemudia is projected this late. He’s not as physical as his size would indicate and can be late to recognize the ball in the air. Ojemudia is talented enough to play right away but will need more progress before a team can rely on him as a full-time starter.
5th round: Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
He’s only 5-foot-8 and it’s impossible to not lead with that fact. But Robertson is not small, he’s simply short. Robertson is a very physical 187 pounds and tackles quite well. His jam technique is fantastic and he can turn and run smoothly. The instincts and contested-catch skills are better than a lot of CBs who will be drafted 100-plus spots higher, too.
The worry with Robertson is that he’s an outside CB in a slot CB body. His style of play and lateral agility don’t translate well inside. A 5-8 outside CB is a tough sell but Robertson’s stylistic resemblance to Antoine Winfield Sr. is close enough to merit trying it in the NFL.
6th round: Lavert Hill, Michigan
Another CB who is a completely different (for the better) player in press-man coverage than in off-man or zone, Hill will appeal to the Lions more than he does some other teams. Undersized at 5-10 but not small, he’s got good transitional footwork out of his press. The long speed is fine, but what helps Hill is that he’s still fluid while at top speed. That should help him if he transitions inside to the slot. Hill is not an asset in run defense or tackling after the catch.
7th round: Javelin Guidry, Utah
Guidry is incredibly fast, an indoor track star and state champion sprinter in California in high school. The speed translates to the field, too. Unlike a lot of “track guys”, Guidry is also a hitter and has some legit upper-body strength. He has flashed ball skills at times.
At times. Those are key words in evaluating Guidry. His coverage instincts are quite underdeveloped. So is his ability to read the receiver and anticipate the ball. It feels like he’s always playing catch-up on downfield routes and at working toward the middle of the field. There’s a lot to work with in Guidry, but there’s a lot of work needed before he’s ready to see the field.
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