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Initial Detroit Lions draft outlook: Cornerbacks

The college all-star games are coming up over the next two weeks with the NFL combine on the horizon in February.

Many players taken by teams in May will play in one of the three games for seniors or from the underclassmen pool. Over the next two weeks, along with our positional outlooks, we’ll give a few names to pay attention to over the next month. Remember, these lists will be fluid as the draft process continues.

Previous outlooks: Quarterbacks; Running backs; Receivers; Tight ends; Offensive tackles; Interior offensive linemen; defensive line; linebackers

Senior Bowl:

No. 22 North, Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio) (5-11, 193): He is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year after making 72 tackles with seven interceptions. He spent the majority of his college career playing basketball, where he showed excellent hands and instincts with 214 steals and 391 assists. He could be a top target for Detroit in the middle rounds, especially if Rashean Mathis returns.

No 16 North, Josh Shaw, USC (6-0, 198): Shaw transferred from Florida to USC and had 11 tackles in three games this season. Why he played in only three games -- a suspension due to a fabricated story about saving his nephew that ended up as an argument with his girlfriend -- will be a topic for teams to fully investigate. As a player, he had 119 tackles and six interceptions in his first three seasons between Florida and USC before the incident.

No. 12 North, Doran Grant, Ohio State (5-10, 199): Two-year starter for the Buckeyes who had 63 tackles with five interceptions this season. He also had 14 passes defended. He has good coverage skills and ESPN’s scouting profile writes that he has good timing on pass breakups.

No. 27 South, Ladarius Gunter, Miami (6-1, 200): Started his final two seasons with the Hurricanes and had 11 tackles and six interceptions. His size could be attractive to teams as well, especially since in the past, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has preferred taller corners.

Others:

Trae Waynes, Michigan State (6-1, 182): He has 101 career tackles and six interceptions. In his career, he defended 19 passes -- 11 of them this season. He has played both boundary and field corner in his career. He also has really good size for a cornerback and his ESPN scouting profile has him above average in almost every area. He’s a potential first round pick, so he might be a little too high on the board for Detroit.

Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest (6-1, 175): He made 190 tackles in his career and intercepted seven passes. Has returned punts minimally during his career -- four during his junior season. Like Waynes, he has good size for a cornerback and ESPN’s scouting profile lists him with exceptional instincts and performing well against the run. The same profile said he’s good on special teams as well in punt coverage.

Byron Jones, Connecticut (6-1, 196): He has made 223 tackles in his career with eight interceptions. There are some health concerns here, though. He had his senior season end with shoulder surgery and his coach, Bob Diaco, said he has had shoulder issues in the past. That will be something to keep an eye on during the process.