Top 5 NFC North cornerbacks in 2023 ranked
- Multiple Packers cornerbacks make the list
- Two Lions featured
- Three new additions to NFC North
2. Cameron Sutton, Detroit Lions
Another smart move the Lions made in free agency was to sign former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton.
Sutton is coming off an excellent season with the Steelers and is a good fit in the Lions' defense.
PFF wrote: "Pittsburgh played man coverage at about the same rate as Detroit did in 2022, and so the schematic fit makes sense for both sides."
Sutton started 16 games for Pittsburgh last season, making 15 pass defenses and three interceptions. According to Pro Football Reference, Sutton allowed only 47.9% of passes thrown his way to be completed, with quarterbacks earning a passer rating of just 65.3 in his coverage.
The Lions are building a strong pass rush and have now invested in their secondary. They have great depth at safety, and either C.J. Gardner-Johnson or Brian Branch can start at slot corner.
They needed to find a reliable starting cornerback on the boundary. Sutton provides that. He can slow down the top wide receiver on the other team, allowing more time for the Lions' pass rushers to get home and make a sack.
Sutton is the Lions' new CB1, and he should make an immediate impact in a new-look secondary this season.