Daily DLP: 4 late-round draft sleepers for Lions – Detroit Lions Podcast

Late-Round Targets With Real Detroit Fits

The Detroit Lions Podcast zeroed in on two late Day 3 options who match Detroit’s defensive profile. The focus stayed tight: an interior disruptor who penetrates and a defensive back with real slot juice and verified top-end speed. Both players project as developmental pieces who can fill defined roles in the NFL and compete for snaps in Detroit.

Penetration From the Interior: Cameron Ball

Cameron Ball, a defensive tackle from Arkansas, stands 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds and tested at the combine. His game is built on first-step quickness and backfield penetration. He wins by getting narrow through gaps and shooting into the backfield, not by anchoring and two-gapping. The production reflects a creator more than a finisher: three sacks and 13 tackles for loss across four seasons, with steady disruption and pursuit.

The motor runs hot. He tackles well and moves unexpectedly well in space for his size, getting outside the box to finish plays. Block shedding is inconsistent, and he is not a classic run stuffer. He must win early with quickness. The athletic profile is decent, not elite, and the projection lands late on Day 3, potentially the sixth or seventh round.

The fit in Detroit is clear. Ball profiles as a rotational rush tackle behind Alim McNeill, with insurance value when Levi Onwuzurike shifts. Detroit has dabbled with penetrators inside, including bigger bodies asked to knife and facilitate rather than rack up sacks. Ball can make quarterbacks hesitate on their step-up when edge pressure compresses the pocket. That kind of interior disturbance has value in this defense.

Slot Speed and Versatility: Ceyair Wright

C.A. Wright, a Nebraska cornerback and former USC recruit, brings verified speed. GPS tracking has him over 22 miles per hour repeatedly. Nebraska kicked him inside to the slot, where his game took off, though he also saw time outside and some at safety. That inside-out experience matters for a secondary that values versatility and alignments that disguise intentions.

Wright turned heads in all-star settings, including a strong week in the Dallas area. The attraction is straightforward: true slot range with recovery speed, plus the ability to handle varied coverage assignments. He projects in the late rounds, with the speed and role clarity to compete right away for nickel work while developing boundary technique over time.

Why These Profiles Matter for Detroit

Detroit needs rotational defenders who do specific jobs well. Ball offers gap shooting from the interior to complement edge pressure and lighten the load on early downs with change-of-pace penetration. Wright brings slot athleticism and flexibility across multiple spots in the secondary. Both are realistic Day 3 targets for the Detroit Lions, with traits that translate and roles that fit the plan.

#detroitlions #lions #detroitlionspodcast #nfldraftday3 #cameronball #ceyairwright #camdorner #curtisallen #scoutingreports

More From The Detroit Lions Podcast

About the Author

Chris
Chris is the founder of everything you see here. A former radio presenter and Detroit native, he now resides in sunny California – and like so many of us, he found himself marooned on an island devoid of other Lions fans. After spending a few years in the Detroit Lions Reddit community he decided to start the Detroit Lions Podcast. Its become the #1 Detroit Lions podcast, and regularly ranks with the top podcasts in Detroit. With a mixture of pre-recorded shows, live & recorded phone-ins, and live post-game broadcasts - this is his slice of Honolulu Blue heaven.