Free Press sports writer Carlos Monarrez grades the Lions‘ third-round pick of Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu at No. 101 overall on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL draft Friday.
Grade: B
The reason: The Lions finally ended their lock on linemen and picked a player with lots of upside at a position of need. A receiver or linebacker might have been preferable, but Melifonwu will add depth and maybe some positional versatility as a huge 6-foot-3, 205-pound cornerback. The Lions tied for second-fewest interceptions in 2020, and Melifonwu only had three picks at Syracuse, but he should provide some much-needed competition in the secondary.
MORE GRADES FROM CARLOS MONARREZ:
Oregon OT Penei Sewell: D, for not getting a playmaker
Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike: B, for perhaps being a poor man’s Aaron Donald
N.C. State DT Alim McNeill: D, for another defensive lineman, really?
Contact Carlos Monarrez at cmonarrez@freepress.com and follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.