Breaking Down All the Changes and the Current State of the Detroit Lions CB Room
The Detroit Lions have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, transitioning from a franchise that struggled to find consistency to one that now has a bright future. One of the key positions the Lions have focused on improving is their cornerback (CB) room. The defensive backfield is one of the most critical aspects of a successful defense, and the Lions have been working tirelessly to build a secondary capable of competing at the highest level in the NFC.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the state of the cornerback position for the Lions is as intriguing as it has been in years. A mixture of new acquisitions, returning talent, and some unfinished business makes the cornerback room a dynamic and evolving part of the Lions’ roster.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Detroit Lions’ cornerback room, breaking down all the changes, evaluating the current state of the position, and predicting the potential outcomes for the group in the upcoming season.
The Lions’ Cornerback History: A Struggle for Stability
Before we dive into the current state of the cornerback room, it’s important to look at the history of the Lions’ struggles at the position. Over the years, Detroit has faced difficulty in establishing a consistent secondary, particularly at cornerback. From Jeff Okudah’s draft struggles to inconsistent play from other cornerbacks, the Lions have been in search of a lockdown corner for much of the past decade.
The lack of stability in the secondary has been one of the key factors in Detroit’s defensive struggles. Even with promising pieces like Darius Slay (who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles), the team has frequently been left with a patchwork group of cornerbacks, leading to defensive vulnerabilities. But with Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes now firmly in charge, the Lions have worked to change that.
The 2020s have seen a shift toward a more aggressive, physical defense. The Lions have added key pieces to the defense through free agency and the draft, and cornerback has been a significant focus. But where does the CB room stand heading into the 2025 season? Let’s break it down.
Key Changes in the Lions’ Cornerback Room
The Detroit Lions’ cornerback room has seen significant turnover in recent years, and with good reason. The Lions’ defensive scheme under Aaron Glenn emphasizes aggressive, man-to-man coverage, which requires athletic, versatile cornerbacks who can cover multiple routes and play physical football.
Here are the key changes and acquisitions to the Lions’ cornerback room:
1. Jeff Okudah’s Departure
The most notable change to the Lions’ cornerback room is the trade of Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons during the 2024 offseason. Okudah was the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but his time in Detroit was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and struggles to live up to expectations. Though Okudah showed flashes of his potential, especially in 2023, he was never able to fully cement himself as a No. 1 cornerback.
The Lions decided to move on from Okudah after three seasons, giving them additional draft capital and freeing up cap space. While Okudah’s departure is a setback, the team seems confident in the direction they are heading, as they’ve made significant moves to bolster the cornerback position.
2. The Arrival of Emmanuel Moseley
One of the first major moves the Lions made to address the cornerback position was the signing of Emmanuel Moseley from the San Francisco 49ers. Moseley has been a solid contributor to a top-tier defense in San Francisco, known for his speed, versatility, and ability to compete in both zone and man-to-man coverage.
Moseley adds a level of experience and reliability to the Lions’ secondary. He has experience in big games and has proven he can be a reliable starter at the NFL level. His ability to stay healthy and consistent will be key for the Lions as they look for stability in their cornerback group.
Moseley’s role as a potential starter is key for the Lions’ defense. If he can stay healthy and perform at a high level, he could provide the leadership and skill that the Lions need at cornerback.
3. The Addition of Cameron Sutton
One of the biggest and most impactful moves the Lions made in the offseason was the signing of Cameron Sutton from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sutton, who had been one of Pittsburgh’s most reliable and versatile cornerbacks, offers tremendous value to the Lions in both man and zone schemes. His high football IQ, ball skills, and ability to play multiple positions in the secondary make him an ideal fit for what the Lions want to do defensively.
Sutton is the type of cornerback who brings consistency and reliability to the table, and he should immediately step into a starting role. His leadership and ability to match up against top receivers will be a major asset for the Lions, as they will need him to provide stability alongside Moseley.
4. Drafting Brian Branch and the Continued Development of Jerry Jacobs
The Lions also invested in their secondary through the draft. In 2024, the team selected Brian Branch, a highly regarded cornerback out of Alabama. While Branch is a natural fit for the nickel corner position, his versatility allows him to move around the field, potentially even seeing time on the outside. His athleticism, ball-hawking ability, and understanding of coverages should allow him to make an immediate impact for the Lions.
Jerry Jacobs, another young cornerback who has flashed potential, is also expected to continue his development. Jacobs, who had an up-and-down rookie season, is now entering his second year and could take on an increased role in the defense. His physicality and willingness to compete against larger receivers make him a great fit in Detroit’s aggressive defensive scheme.
The Current State of the Detroit Lions’ Cornerback Room
With these key acquisitions and departures, the Lions’ cornerback room is shaping up to be one of the most interesting aspects of their defense for the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of the current depth chart and the players who could play pivotal roles in 2025:
1. Cameron Sutton – Starting Cornerback
As the big free-agent acquisition, Cameron Sutton is expected to be one of the anchors of the Lions’ cornerback group. Sutton has proven himself as one of the most well-rounded cornerbacks in the league, with the ability to cover both inside and outside receivers effectively. His experience as a starter for the Steelers, along with his playmaking ability, should provide immediate improvement to the Lions’ secondary.
2. Emmanuel Moseley – Starting Cornerback
Emmanuel Moseley was brought in to complement Sutton and give the Lions a dependable starting cornerback duo. Moseley’s proven ability to cover elite receivers in the NFC West makes him a valuable asset for the Lions. He’s a quick and physical corner who thrives in man coverage and should fit well in Aaron Glenn’s defensive scheme.
However, Moseley’s health will be key. He’s had some injury concerns in the past, and if he can stay healthy for the majority of the season, he could form a formidable duo with Sutton.
3. Brian Branch – Nickel Cornerback
Brian Branch is an exciting prospect for the Lions. While he has the flexibility to play outside, his best position may be in the nickel corner spot, where he can use his quickness and coverage ability to shut down slot receivers. Branch’s versatility makes him a great asset, and his understanding of defensive schemes could allow him to excel in a variety of situations.
His role as a nickel cornerback will be essential, as the slot position is becoming more important in modern NFL offenses. If Branch plays to his potential, he could become a fixture in the defense for years to come.
4. Jerry Jacobs – Depth Cornerback
Jerry Jacobs is a promising young player with an intriguing blend of size and athleticism. He’s shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency at times. With the cornerback room more crowded now, Jacobs will likely battle for a spot as a depth piece. He’s a physical corner who brings toughness to the table and has the potential to step in as a key backup or even challenge for a starting role if needed.
Jacobs is a player to watch as he continues to develop and learn from veteran players like Sutton and Moseley.
5. Amani Oruwariye – Free Agent Departure
Amani Oruwariye, who had been one of the Lions’ starting cornerbacks for several years, was a free-agent departure in the 2024 offseason. Oruwariye had some standout moments with the Lions but also struggled with consistency. His departure opened up more opportunities for younger, more versatile cornerbacks to step up in the secondary.
What’s Next for the Lions’ Cornerback Room?
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions’ cornerback room is shaping up to be one of the stronger units on the team. With veterans like Sutton and Moseley leading the way, the addition of Branch and the continued development of Jacobs give the Lions a promising group of cornerbacks to work with. However, the success of this unit will largely depend on health and consistency.
One potential area of focus moving forward will be the depth behind the starting cornerbacks. While the Lions have some talented players, they could look to add more competition through the draft or free agency in the future, especially if injuries arise.
As for this season, the Lions’ cornerback group will need to prove they can cover top-tier wide receivers and maintain consistency throughout the season. If they can do that, this unit could be the backbone of a much-improved defense that helps propel the Lions back to playoff contention.
Overall, the cornerback room for the Lions is looking better than it has in years. With a solid mix of veteran leadership and young potential, the Lions could finally have the foundation for a strong secondary capable of competing at the highest level. The key to success will be keeping players healthy and allowing them to mesh as a unit, creating a defense that can handle the challenges of the NFC.