The Detroit Lions have their latest pick ever in the 2024 NFL draft, but despite this, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. foresees them securing a starting player in Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa during the initial round. According to Kiper’s most recent mock draft on February 28, he anticipates the Lions selecting Tampa with the 29th overall pick.

Kiper highlights Tampa as a somewhat underrated cornerback who possesses the capability to start right away for a team. He emphasizes Tampa’s extensive experience, having played close to 900 coverage snaps for the Cyclones and having faced various routes. Despite conceding four touchdown passes as the nearest defender in coverage in 2021, Tampa’s performance improved notably over the next two seasons, with only three touchdowns allowed. Kiper notes Tampa’s significant progress in 2023 and believes he has the potential for increased productivity in the NFL, despite his modest three interceptions during college.

In the 2023 season, Tampa earned recognition on the AP and coaches All-Big 12 first-team, in addition to being a semifinalist for both the Thorpe Award and the Bednarik Award. Across 37 games at Iowa State, Tampa accumulated 107 total tackles, 19 pass defenses, and 3 interceptions. Specifically in 2023, he recorded 44 total tackles, including 3 for loss, 7 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions.