The Detroit Lions capped off Day 2 of the 2021 NFL draft by drafting their third defensive player in as many picks—selecting cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu with pick No. 101 overall.
Adding an outside corner at this stage was not a pressing need—though it was very much a long-term one—but Lions general manager Brad Holmes trusted his board and took the player they thought should have been drafted much sooner.
“I can say that was huge for Iffy (Ifeatu Melifonwu), you know at our last pick is that really trusting our board,” Holmes told the Detroit media late Friday night.