Lions add Ifeatu Melifonwu to secondary with 101st overall pick

The Detroit Lions selected cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu out of Syracuse in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, No. 101 overall.

Melifonwu was expected to be chosen earlier on Day 2, but Detroit snagged the long, versatile defensive back late in Friday's action.

The third-team All-ACC defender will likely battle Amani Oruwariye, Corn Elder, Mike Ford, and Quinton Dunbar for snaps opposite Jeff Okudah.

The cornerback position was viewed as a major need for the Lions this offseason.

Draft Profile

Key Stats: 54 tackles, 1 interception, 6 passes defended

If you were to build the perfect cornerback prospect, he'd look a lot like Melifonwu. His height and length are well above average, and he moves incredibly well for his size. However, the former Syracuse defender is missing a few pieces. Melifonwu is surprisingly passive in man coverage despite holding a size advantage over most receivers. In zone, he won't read and react as quickly as his peers. But overall, Melifonwu is productive at the catch point, and he has too many tools to ignore. His upside is through the roof.