The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s strongest teams this season, with Dan Campbell leading them to a 13-2 record. They are tied with the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North lead and the No.1 seed, but Detroit holds the tiebreaker after defeating Minnesota in Week 7. The Lions will face the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Monday Night Football in Week 17.
Detroit’s defense has excelled under Aaron Glenn, surrendering just 19.9 points per game, which ties them for sixth-fewest with the Green Bay Packers. This success has come despite injuries to key players, including cornerback Carlton Davis.
Davis was performing well in 2024 before breaking his jaw during the Lions’ Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills. The 27-year-old recorded two interceptions and allowed a 59.7% completion rate in 13 games. After the injury, Davis was placed on Injured Reserve, and Campbell expressed doubt on Dec. 20 about his return this season.
Davis might have played his last game for Detroit, as the former Auburn star will be a free agent in the offseason. General manager Brad Holmes may decide to part ways. If Davis leaves, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder projects the Lions will draft East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Davis, Dorsey, Emmanuel Moseley, and Kindle Vildor are all set to hit free agency, making cornerback a likely target for Holmes early in the draft. Despite tearing his ACL, Revel Jr. shows promise as a potential top-level corner.
Revel Jr. appeared in just three games in 2024, suffering an ACL tear in practice before East Carolina’s game against Liberty on Sept. 21, which the Pirates lost. Despite the early injury, Revel Jr. managed two interceptions and allowed a 40.9% completion rate on 22 targets.
During his junior season in 2023, Revel Jr. played 328 coverage snaps and started 12 games for East Carolina. He allowed a 44.2% completion rate on 43 targets and a 61.2 passer rating. The 2023 Second-Team All-American Athletic Conference pick stands at 6’3″, has impressive length, and is a great athlete.
If Detroit does not re-sign Davis, pairing Shavon Revel Jr. with Terrion Arnold could provide the Lions with two talented young cornerbacks for the future.
