Detroit Lions CB Amani Oruwariye
After finishing the season with the second worst record in football, the Detroit Lions had the #2 overall pick, in which they brought in hometown favorite Aidan Hutchinson. They completed the draft by bringing in 2 other players who can play from Day 1 in Jameson Williams, the WR from Alabama and Kerby Joseph, the Safety out of Illinois. While it hasn’t and won’t get the credit it deserves, the Lions have a formidable secondary, due in part to the emergence of Amani Oruwariye. They will get the return of former 1st round pick Jeff Okudah to pair with DeShon Elliot, and Tracy Walker (a spot that could end up being Joseph’s sooner rather than later).
Oruwariye was their de-facto CB1 last season in which he fared well. He allowed only 2 TDs and snagged 6 INTs in the process of allowing 1.1 yards per coverage snap. While these aren’t gaudy numbers in the likes of Humphrey, he allowed only .1 more yards per coverage snap than Jalen Ramsey while bringing in 2 more INTs and allowing 1 less TD. Comparing this to 2021 Pro Bowl invite, Trevon Diggs, who emerged with his playmaking ability, he allowed over 500 less receiving yards, and .52 yards per coverage snap. If he can continue his playmaking ability from last year and can cut down on allowing the big plays, from last year (18 receptions of 15+ yards, the 6th most amongst CBs with 300+ coverage snaps), he has a chance to make a Pro Bowl.