Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Lions draft outlook: Cornerbacks

The all-star games are over. The combine, which is the next area for potential draftees to prove something, is less than a month away.

Many of the players selected in May’s draft will come from these three all-star games or from underclassmen who decided the time was right to turn professional. Over the next two weeks, pairing with our position outlook series, we’ll offer a quick preview and look back at some names to become familiar with over the next four months as the NFL draft process crawls along.

Today continues with cornerbacks. This is a position of high need for the Lions. Expect them to go after a top cornerback in the draft.

I'm also changing the format of this a little bit since the all-star games have concluded.

Previous looks: Quarterbacks; running backs; wide receivers; tight ends; offensive tackles; interior linemen; defensive ends; defensive tackles; linebackers.

  • Justin Gilbert (6-foot-0 1/4, 199, Oklahoma State) Gilbert had 42 tackles and seven interceptions for 123 yards this season. He also had seven pass-breakups. No. 1 cornerback. No. 11 overall.

  • Darqueze Dennard (5-11 3/4, 189, Michigan State) Won the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Started at corner for three years. Had 14 defended passes, including four interceptions. Also had 62 tackles. No. 2 cornerback. No. 18 overall.

  • Loucheiz Purifoy (6-0, 185, Florida) Had 24 tackles, seven pass-breakups, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Also had two sacks. No. 3 cornerback.

  • Marcus Roberson (5-11 1/2, 195, Florida) Has injury concerns with both his knee and his ankle. Had 11 tackles and three pass-breakups in his seven games this season. No. 6 cornerback

  • Bradley Roby (5-11 1/8, 193, Ohio State) Roby had 69 tackles, three interceptions for 120 yards and 13 pass-breakups this season. He also blocked two kicks. No. 7 cornerback.

  • Keith McGill (6-3, 214, Utah) Had 37 tackles and one interception this season. Also had 13 passes defended and a quarterback hurry. No. 8 cornerback.

  • Bashaud Breeland (6-0, 195, Clemson) Made 74 tackles, had two sacks, 13 pass-breakups and forced two fumbles. No. 9 cornerback.

  • Kyle Fuller (5-11 1/2, 189, Virginia Tech) The Lions will be able to get a great read on him, as he is the brother of current Lions receiver Corey Fuller. Had 24 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass-breakups. No. 11 cornerback.

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