By Moses Joshua 
Why Detroit may quietly target a developmental slot defender despite deep cornerback room
The Detroit Lions head into the 2025 NFL Draft with one of the more settled cornerback rooms in recent franchise memory. But beneath the surface of this apparent stability lies a quietly brewing long-term concern — the future of the nickel cornerback position. It’s not a glaring hole, but for a front office known for playing the long game, it’s enough to raise a brow.
Depth Today, Questions Tomorrow
The Lions’ cornerback roster boasts a blend of youthful promise and veteran grit. D.J. Reed and top pick Terrion Arnold are penciled in as the outside starters for the foreseeable future, each under contract through 2027. Add in second-year Ennis Rakestraw, veterans like Amik Robertson, Avonte Maddox, Rock Ya-Sin, and special teams ace Khalil Dorsey, and it seems like Detroit has stacked the deck.
Yet, most of those contracts vanish after 2025.
Robertson, Maddox, Ya-Sin, and Thomas-Oliver are all set to hit free agency next offseason. That leaves a fragile cushion behind the starters. And while Rakestraw is under contract, his ultimate role — outside insurance or eventual nickel anchor — remains uncertain. The nickel spot, in particular, seems like the only undefined role in an otherwise concrete plan.
“If the Lions re-sign Robertson, maybe that problem solves itself,” one analyst mused. “But if they don’t, and Rakestraw doesn’t make the jump inside, then what?”
Top Prospects Who Fit the Mold
It’s unlikely that GM Brad Holmes burns a top-50 pick on a corner, but don’t be surprised if one comes off the board on Day 2 or early Day 3 — especially one who thrives inside.
Jahdae Barron (Texas) tops the list as a prime nickel target. His versatility, combining inside and outside capabilities, makes him a logical long-term piece. “He’s competitive, smart, and had a breakout year with 16 passes defended and five picks,” scouts noted.
Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky), who recently visited Detroit, is another name circling. Though slightly undersized at 5-foot-11, Hairston brings speed and a feisty demeanor that screams Lions culture. His coverage needs polish, but his “dawg mentality” and 33-inch arms make him a developmental gem.
And don’t overlook Trey Amos (Ole Miss), a physical defender who excels against the run and has the size (6-foot-1, 195) the Lions currently lack in the slot. Azareye’h Thomas offers similar tools with a little more flash, even drawing Carlton Davis comparisons in some circles.
Day 3 and Underrated Depth
Beyond the big names, Holmes may tap into the bargain bin for a developmental flier. Jacob Parrish (Kansas State), the ultra-scrappy, press-happy nickel defender, fits the Lions’ gritty defensive DNA. Cobee Bryant (Kansas), with his inside-outside chops and ball production, could also intrigue despite some athletic limitations.
Then there’s Upton Stout, the 5-foot-8, 181-pound dynamo from Western Kentucky. “He may be nickel-only,” one scout said, “but he plays big and runs fast. He’d be a demon on special teams while you coach him up.”
Bottom Line: A Quiet but Crucial Draft Objective
Detroit’s secondary isn’t screaming for help, and that’s a luxury — not a reason for complacency. As the Lions push deeper into playoff territory, the ability to maintain roster quality at every level becomes vital.
The nickel cornerback role may not make headlines, but as teams continue to deploy three-receiver sets at historic rates, finding the next Amik Robertson might just be one of the smartest, quietest moves the Lions make in this draft.