The Detroit Lions have been actively rebuilding their defense over the past few seasons, and one area that still needs attention is the cornerback position. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Lions may look to address this need in the first round. One cornerback who could be on their radar is Eli Ricks from Alabama.
Ricks is a physical cornerback with a strong build and excellent athleticism. He stands at 6’2″ and weighs around 190 pounds, making him an ideal fit for the Lions’ press-man coverage scheme. Ricks is known for his ability to play both man-to-man and zone coverage, and his size and strength allow him to match up against bigger receivers.
One of Ricks’ biggest strengths is his ball-hawking ability. He has a knack for finding the ball and making plays on it, which is something the Lions have been lacking in their secondary. Ricks’ instincts and reaction time are excellent, and he has a strong understanding of how to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate the throw.
Ricks also brings a level of physicality to the cornerback position that the Lions have been missing. He is not afraid to come up and support the run, and he is willing to get his hands dirty and make tackles in space. This physicality would be a welcome addition to the Lions’ defense, which has struggled to stop the run in recent seasons.
In terms of draft value, Ricks is likely to be a top-15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has all the physical tools and skills to be a shutdown cornerback in the NFL, and his upside is extremely high. If the Lions are looking to address their cornerback need in the first round, Ricks would be an excellent choice.
Overall, Eli Ricks is an excellent cornerback prospect who would be a great fit for the Detroit Lions. His physicality, ball-hawking ability, and instincts make him an ideal candidate to start opposite Jeff Okudah in the Lions’ secondary. If the Lions are looking to address their cornerback need in the first round, Ricks should be at the top of their list.