Lions NFL Draft Watch: Dontay Corleone Would Strengthen Defensive Line

Week 12 of the 2024 college football season continues Saturday, and features an intriguing slate of games.

One of the biggest matchups of the day sees No. 17-ranked Clemson (7-2) taking on ACC rival Pittsburgh (7-2). Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter is one of the various 2025 NFL Draft prospects suiting up for the must-see ACC contest.

Carter is also one of the five collegiate players the Detroit Lions should be keeping close tabs on this weekend.

Let's take a closer look now at Carter and those four other draft prospects taking the field Saturday.

OL Will Campbell, LSU  

Campbell, a first-team All-SEC selection in 2023, has the prototypical frame (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) and power to excel at the next level. 

Campbell, who has started since his true freshman year, has primarily lined up at left tackle for the Tigers. And since day one, he's been adept as both a pass-protector and paving the way for LSU’s running backs. 

He'd be a nice long-term answer for the Lions at left tackle, eventually replacing Taylor Decker.

Detroit should be keeping a close eye on Campbell Saturday, as LSU squares off with SEC foe Florida in “The Swamp.” 

DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati

The interior defensive lineman – a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2023 - profiles as a solid run-stuffing defender at the next level. He's equipped with quick hands and a strong football IQ, especially when it comes to playing the run, and could be a nice Day 2 target for Detroit general manager Brad Holmes next April. 

Corleone does bring with him a major red flag, however, as he suffered a blood clot in his lungs earlier this year and was at first unable to play because of it. Since being cleared to play, Corleone, fittingly nicknamed “The Godfather,” has racked up 25 total tackles, including five for loss, and 3.5 sacks.