CBS Edwards (29. CB Nate Wiggins: Detroit adds a promising man-coverage cornerback after primarily adding stop gaps last offseason. The Lions were able to parlay a good draft class a year ago into an NFC championship appearance, so the hope is that this class get help them get over the top.) (2-2-24): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-mock-draft-exploring-what-qb-needy-teams-would-do-if-three-are-taken-with-the-first-three-picks/
NFL.com Edholm (29. CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr: Detroit was forced to shuffle its secondary this season and needs better coverage options outside. Rakestraw's medical evaluation (torn ACL in 2021, groin surgery in December) could determine whether he cracks Round 1, but his profile fits what the Lions seek. He's tough-minded, a willing tackler and adept in man coverage. Fun fact: GM Brad Holmes' first pro day as an NFL scout was at Mizzou.) (2-2-24): https://www.nfl.com/news/eric-edholm-2024-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-chargers-grab-te-brock-bowers-at-no-5-qb-j-j-mccarthy-to-rams
Draft Tek (29. DE Bralen Trice: The Lions' offense has been in the top-tier of the NFL since Ben Johnson took over as OC and playcaller in mid-2022, and the good news for Detroit fans is that Johnson will return for another year. Turning to the other side of the ball, the Lions were able to plug most of the holes in their rush defense this year, but their bottom-5 pass D remains a critical obstacle in their pursuit of a title. Two key positions of need are Edge Rusher and Cornerback, and it figures that GM Brad Holmes will address one or the other late in Round One. Unless of course he doesn't. While many forecasters are locking the Lions in on a corner, we're leaning toward focus on the trenches in Washington Edge Rusher Bralen Trice. A 6-4, 270-pound ball of energy, Trice racked up 70 pressures and 15 QB hits in helping the Huskies advance to the CFP Title game. His hardworking, craftsmanlike approach should sit well with Coach Dan Campbell's curated locker room culture and his bag should be a natural complement to rising star Aidan Hutchinson on the other edge. --Jud Branam, Lions Analyst. 61. WR Ladd McConkey. 73. DT Brandon Dorlus. 92. S James Williams. 163. RB Cody Schrader. 207. CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. 247. TE McCallan Castles) (1-18-24): https://www.drafttek.com/2024-NFL-Draft-Team-Pages/Lions-Draft-Page.asp
Tankathon (30. CB Kamari Lassiter. 61. DT Brandon Dorlus. 73. WR Johnny Wilson. 92. LB Payton Wilson) (1-20-24): https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft
PFN Broback (29. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia: The Detroit Lions’ season didn’t end how they wanted, but they also know what’s needed to improve next year. The pass defense demands upgrading, and drafting a corner is one step in that process. Kamari Lassiter continues flying under the radar this year, but his talent should put him on the map quickly. He joins a Lions defense full of energy and potential, and his talent elevates the entire unit.) (2-1-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2024-nfl-mock-draft-jared-verse-malik-nabers/
Touchdown wire (29. Detroit Lions: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo) (2-1-24): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-mock-draft-senior-bowl-bo-nix-quinyon-mitchell-taliese-fuaga/
CBS Trapasso (29. CB Quinton Mitchell: Mitchell was a magnet to the football in his illustrious Toledo career with 45 pass breakups and six picks in his final three seasons for the Rockets. He's the type of sticky outside cornerback the Lions need.) (1-31-24): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-mock-draft-lions-add-sticky-cb-to-suspect-secondary-qbs-go-1-2-3-ravens-get-edge-rushing-help/
PFN Hodgkinson (29. Kalen King, CB, Penn State: Once considered the crown jewel of the Big Ten cornerback group, it feels like Kalen King‘s stock has soured a little through the process so far. Even so, that shouldn’t prevent Detroit Lions fans from getting excited by a DB who epitomizes everything the program stands for. Competitiveness oozes out of the pores of the Penn State product. Dan Campbell will love him.) (1-31-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2024-nfl-mock-draft-ladd-mcconkey-mds/
SI Easterling (29. CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.: The weakest link for Detroit last season was a secondary marred by injuries and inconsistency. Bolstering their corner group is a must this offseason, and this year's deep class should give them some solid options here. Rakestraw put up some impressive film in 2023, and is worthy of first-round consideration. 61. WR Malachi Corley. 73. DE Austin Booker. 92. OG Zak Zinter) (1-31-24): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-mock-draft-2024-senior-bowl-bo-nix-michael-penix-jr-las-vegas-raiders-new-england-patriots
Walter football Walt (30. Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas: The Lions wanted Devon Witherspoon at No. 6, so perhaps they’ll obtain a cornerback with this pick. If there are no cornerbacks available, they could address the defensive line to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Byron Murphy has been impressive as both a run defender and a pass rusher. The only negative is that he lacks length. 62. Detroit Lions: Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M: The Lions have a great offensive line, save for right guard. That could be addressed with this pick. Layden Robinson isn’t very athletic, but he’s a violent blocker who has impressed this season. 73. Calen Bullock, S, USC: The Lions need as much secondary help as possible. Calen Bullock is an instinctive player who makes splash plays. 93. Storm Duck, CB, Louisville: The Lions could draft a cornerback much earlier than this, but better late than never. Advance scouts were high on Storm Duck’s ability.) (1-31-24): https://walterfootball.com/draft2024.php
USA Today Davis (29. Detroit Lions: DE Chop Robinson, Penn State: Aidan Hutchinson was their only feared pass rusher in 2023. Another All-Big Ten selection could change that ... with a touch of seasoning.) (1-30-24): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2024/01/29/nfl-mock-draft-2024-caleb-williams-jayden-daniels-quarterbacks/72398714007/
PFN Helms (30. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia: After playing man coverage at the second-highest rate in the league in 2022, the Lions shifted to more zone coverage this season. Kamari Lassiter is the best zone corner in the 2024 NFL Draft and excels at reading and reacting to the quarterback’s eyes. I like the fit here as Detroit looks to upgrade its secondary.) (1-30-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/will-helms-2024-nfl-mock-draft-post-championship-weekend/
PFN Caplan (29. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: For Detroit to make another deep playoff run, they must address the cornerback position, one of the top needs for the short and long-term future. The underrated Quinyon Mitchell would be a solid value here. First mock draft selection: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington. Pre-Draft Needs: OLB, CB, G, WR, DT) (1-29-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/adam-caplan-2024-nfl-mock-draft-january/
Draft wire Popejoy (29. CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo: Quinyon Mitchell isn’t a household name but he embodies the hard-working, physical style the Lions want. 61. G Christian Mahogany, Boston College) (1-18-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-mock-draft-chiefs-niners-super-bowl/
SN (29. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri (6-0, 188 pounds): The Lions' big issues with downfield cornerback coverage outside finally burned them for good against the 49ers. Rakestraw, a rising prospect to keep watching in the process, will be attractive to Aaron Glenn because of aggressive, fearless and physical man-to-man coverage.) (1-29-24): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2024-chargers-lions-ravens/b414a5c0db676576f6326694
Draft Network Melo (29. Detroit Lions - Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama: The Lions should continue improving their pass defense, which is arguably their biggest weakness. With the likes of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, and Kindle Vildor playing on expiring contracts, there's a need for general manager Brad Holmes to address the cornerback position early. Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry pairs size with athleticism, leading to a desirable overall make-up.) (1-28-24): https://thedraftnetwork.com/2024/01/28/nfl-mock-draft-2024-playmakers
PFN Catalina (29. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami: The Lions have a reliable crop of safeties already, with a healthy mix of different abilities. Adding Kamren Kinchens at this point is a value pick and allows Detroit to get younger at the position, waving goodbye to expiring contracts down the road if they choose.) (1-28-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/catalina-2024-nfl-mock-draft-sunday-conference-championship-round/
Walter football Charlie (30. Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona: Taylor Decker is aging, declining and expensive. While he might have one more good year left in him, Detroit has to think of the future. The Lions will undoubtedly pay Penei Sewell a massive extension, and it would make sense to have the other tackle on a cheap contract to mirror their current situation with Decker and Sewell. Both of the Lions’ starting guards are entering free agency as well, so a rookie could start at guard and then move to tackle in a year after Decker becomes a cap casualty. Morgan had an impressive senior year to help himself with NFL scouts. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound possesses excellent size, including length, height and weight, as well as strength and quickness. Morgan was a mainstay for the Wildcats as a starter over the past three seasons. In 2022, he allowed one sack in 670 total snaps. Morgan earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and some team sources believe he could be a nice value pick as a late first-round pick. 62. Max Melton, CB, Rutgers: The Lions could use a corner upgrade to go across from Cam Sutton. In 2023, Melton recorded 32 tackles, three interceptions and six passes broken up. He went under the radar in 2022 due to playing on a bad Rutgers team that failed to qualify for a bowl game. He totaled 33 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes broken up on the year. While Max Melton had not received a lot of media attention, he caught fire in the scouting community for the 2023 NFL Draft. Some evaluators said they thought Melton could have been one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft and had a shot at being the first one off the board. However, Melton went back to school. Melton is listed at 6-foot, 190 pounds, but pro sources said he might be more like 5-foot-11, 188 pounds. They state Melton has excellent speed and is super fast at shutting down the deep part of the field. Receivers can’t outrun him, and he is a superb athlete who can run the routes to prevent separation. Melton is a tough competitor and has a lot of upside. 73. Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh: The Lions could use multiple offensive line draft picks with their guards hitting free agency and Taylor Decker aging. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Goncalves is a big edge blocker for the next level who started at both left and right tackle for Pittsburgh. The Panthers bounced Goncalves back and forth between right and left tackle over 2020-2022, and as a senior, he started at left tackle before going out for the year due to surgery. Goncalves is big, strong, and has good enough movement to stay on the edge in the NFL. His body type also could make him a candidate to play guard as a pro. 94. DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke: In 2021, the Lions made a great pick taking Alim McNeil in the third round. Levi Onwuzurike, meanwhile, was a good college player who has had a hard time staying healthy in the NFL. Detroit could use a defensive tackle to go with McNeil. Carter (6-3, 305) was tough player for the Blue Devils in 2023. He was a solid run defender, making 39 tackles while recording one sack. Carter showed more pass-rush production in previous seasons. In 2022, he picked up 5.5 sacks. He recorded 4.5 sacks in 2021. Carter also totaled seven forced fumbles over that timespan. He is a sleeper who could be a nice value pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.) (1-26-24): https://walterfootball.com/draft2024charlie.php
Fox sports Rang (30. CB Quinyon Mitchell: The Lions are playing for a Super Bowl berth despite surrendering 4,205 passing yards and 28 touchdowns through the air, both 26th in the NFL. Mitchell may not have the national name recognition of his peers, but he didn't allow a single touchdown reception this season and is a reliable open-field tackler — attributes a club with four free agents at cornerback should value.) (1-25-24): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-nfl-mock-draft-bears-commanders-vikings-and-bucs-add-first-round-qbs
PFN Anthony Miller (30. Detroit Lions: Kalen King, CB, Penn State - Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has made major strides with the Detroit Lions defense, but pass coverage has never been a strength of theirs. Kalen King was a playmaker for Penn State, a program known for producing great defenses. King would step in as one of the starters on Detroit despite needing a bit of time to develop to his full potential.) (1-24-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2024-nfl-mock-draft-caleb-williams-drake-maye-jayden-daniels-dominate/
ESPN Mel Kiper (30. Detroit Lions: Quinyon Mitchell, CB) (1-23-24): https://www.on3.com/pro/news/mel-kiper-mock-draft-1-0-espn-nfl-2024-predictions-for-first-round-caleb-williams/
CFN (29-32 Detroit Lions 2024 Mock Draft Latest Call: Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo - More playmakers, more secondary help, more options to raise up a defense that’s going to be bombed on in offensive shootouts.) (1-23-24): https://collegefootballnews.com/nfl-draft/2024-nfl-mock-draft-pre-conference-championship-version
NFL.com Brooks (30. DE Chop Robinson: The Lions need to find a complementary pass rusher to place opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Robinson is a freak athlete.) (1-22-24): https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-2024-nfl-mock-draft-1-0
NFL.com Dan Jeremiah (30. CB Nate Wiggins: Wiggins is a height-weight-speed corner. He’s very rangy and will help a Lions defense that should often be playing with a lead, given the team’s talent on offense.) (1-19-24): https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2024-nfl-mock-draft-1-0
PFN Dalton Miller (30. Kalen King, CB, Penn State: Dan Campbell, meet knee biter. Knee biter, Dan Campbell. Now that the introductions are done, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. This isn’t an outstanding cornerback class, but injuries and one-year contracts at the position necessitate the potentiality. Kalen King‘s downhill trigger and physicality against the run and screen game more than makeup for his underwhelming size. Harrison bullied King in their matchup, and the same will likely happen against other physical receivers at the next level. But King won’t have to face a generational prospect weekly, and his route recognition and reactionary athleticism make him a fun fit in this defense.) (1-17-24): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/dalton-miller-2024-nfl-mock-draft-january/
Athletic Brugler (30. DT T’Vondre Sweat) (1-16-24): https://theathletic.com/5203443/2024/01/16/nfl-mock-draft-2024-two-rounds-quarterbacks/
Biglead Phillips (28. Detroit Lions: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon: The Lions' cupboard is bare at cornerback, it's time to change that. Jackson is a physical specimen at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds with great speed.) (1-11-24): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-mock-draft-2024-bears-caleb-williams-patriots-01hkqzwbgyf2
NBC sports Rogers (28. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State: It’s been a great season for the Lions where their offense continues to ascend and their front seven made some serious strides. Yet, this is a secondary that still needs more cover talent. Tampa’s length and vertical speed make him plug and play at outside corner.) (1-11-24): https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-mock-draft-3-0-qbs-caleb-williams-drake-maye-still-on-top-for-connor-rogers
Fox sports McIntyre (28. Detroit Lions: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State: The Lions need to start planning for 2025, when they'll have to pay big money to keep Jared Goff, Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown and promising DT Alim McNeill. Yes, there are a ton of holes on defense, but I'd go with Egbuka here over any cornerback.) (1-10-24): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-nfl-mock-draft-bears-commanders-patriots-add-qbs-first-7-picks-on-offense
FTW D'Andrea (28. Detroit Lions: CB Kalen King, Penn State - Needs: CB, WR, EDGE, LB. Watching Detroit’s secondary get repeatedly abused by Nick Mullens’ deep balls in Week 18 highlighted what may be the team’s fatal flaw. Cameron Sutton’s arrival failed to upgrade a lagging cornerback corps, leaving the opportunity for an upgrade in a deep class of defensive backs this spring. King can help. He saw fewer targets, understandably, after 2022’s breakthrough 18 break-up, three interception campaign. But at his core he’s a fearless press corner who can battle with DJ Moore and Justin Jefferson at the line of scrimmage or turn and run to shut them down. Kalen King with the diving INT for Penn State at the Rose Bowl) (1-10-24): https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-mock-draft-bears-drake-maye-caleb-williams-commanders-patriots?itm_source=parsely-api
CBS Wilson (28. Bralen Trice EDGE - PROSPECT RNK
24th. POSITION RNK 5th. Trice only had seven sacks during the season -- including two against Texas and Quinn Ewers in the semifinal matchup -- but he also led all of FBS in QB pressures with 77 in 14 games. Now line him up opposite of Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit and imagine what that looks like.) (1-8-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-mock-draft-bears-trade-down-stay-with-justin-fields-michael-penix-jr-lands-in-top-10/
USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (28. Detroit Lions – Jared Verse, DE, Florida State: No question of fit here. Verse would make for a fine pass rusher to put opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but it's his strength at the point of attack and his ability as a run stopper that should make him a fast favorite of Dan Campbell.) (1-8-24): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2024/01/08/nfl-mock-draft-2024-first-round-jj-mccarthy/72146744007/
PFN Schulte (28. Detroit Lions: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State: At best, the Lions’ pass rush has been lackluster and could use a boost with a dynamic pass rusher next to Aidan Hutchinson. Jared Verse is one of the best in the class, boasting a superb combination of explosiveness and power. 58. Ricardo Hallman, CB, Wisconsin: The Lions need plenty of investment into their cornerback room, with five players from a lackluster room entering free agency. Ricardo Hallman is young and could elect to return, but he led the country in interceptions this season and is an elite athlete. 74. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri: Doubling down at cornerback here for the Lions, we’re boosting the production of that cornerback room here immediately. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. brings the physicality that has embodied the Detroit Lions under Dan Campbell and gives Detroit a young 1-2 punch it can plug in right away outside. 92. Maason Smith, DT, LSU: Detroit’s last third-rounder, Brodric Martin, hasn’t seen the field this season. Thus, the Lions need to add more to their defensive interior. A huge freak athlete, Maason Smith adds a massive presence for Detroit and can create havoc for opposing offenses. 153. WR Jordan Whittington. 187. OT Andrew Coker. 218. DE Jalen Green) (1-6-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/7-round-2024-nfl-mock-draft-saturday-week-18-2024/
PFF Sikkema (27. Detroit Lions: ED Bralen Trice, Washington - Player ADP (via MDS): 21.6. Some prospects perfectly fit a team’s personality, and that is the case here with Trice on a Dan Campbell squad. At 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds, Trice possesses a motor that runs hot at all times. He is giving everything he has (usually with power) on every snap, and it earned him 76 quarterback pressures this season. Him on one side and Hutchinson on the other would be a long day at the office for opposing offensive tackles.) (1-5-24): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-mock-draft-bears-caleb-williams-patriots-lsu-jayden-daniels
Draft wire Risdon (27. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: Mitchell hasn’t faced much in the way of NFL-caliber competition at either WR or QB, but he’s dominated at Toledo for the last two seasons. He’s got the speed, length and physicality to translate it to the NFL, too. If Aaron Glenn returns as the Lions defensive coordinator, outside corner is far and away the team’s biggest need.) (1-5-24): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nfl-mock-draft-before-week-18-jayden-daniels-top-pick/
PFN Cummings (28. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State: I made this same pick for the Lions in my previous 2024 NFL Mock Draft. It’s pretty simple. If Jared Verse drops this far, he’s hard to pass up. He provides a raw, explosive power element that the Lions need more of, and he’s also a stellar run defender. 60. Kalen King, CB, Penn State: Non-elite traits may cause Kalen King to fall, but he’s still a quick, instinctive, and contentious cover man who’d be right at home in Detroit’s defense. 77. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State: There might not be a more “Lions” prospect in this class than Braden Fiske. Fiske’s motor is unhinged, and he’s a sound three-down defender in spite of his size. 92. Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is one of the best man coverage cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft with his foot speed, fluidity, and physicality. 156. OT Brandon Coleman. 188. WR Luke McCaffrey. 220. QB Jason Bean) (12-30-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/7-round-2024-nfl-mock-draft-week-17-2023/
Yahoo Tice (28. Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: The Lions do need help on their defensive back end, with Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke being a candidate here. Instead, we give the Lions the finisher they desperately need up front to help out the pressures that Aidan Hutchinson and others do create. Robinson has very real burst off the ball and the best bend in this pass-rusher class. He is below average against the run and his overall play is still more flashes than consistent, but the upside he does flash is the type of pass-rushing juice this Lions defense craves.) (12-28-23): https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nfl-mock-draft-why-drake-maye-is-the-man-for-chicago-while-the-top-10-is-a-run-on-offense-140027576.html
Round 1 (23 CB, 9 DE, 2 DT, 1 OT, 1 WR, 1 S):
8 CB Quinyon Mitchell
4 CB Kalen King
3 CB Kamari Lassiter
3 DE Jared Verse
3 DE Chop Robinson
3 DE Bralen Trice
3 CB Ennis Rakestraw
2 CB Nate Wiggins
1 OT Jordan Morgan
1 CB Khyree Jackson
1 CB TJ Tampa
1 CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
1 DT T’Vondre Sweat
1 DT Byron Murphy
1 WR Emeka Egbuka
1 S Kamren Kinchens
Round 2 (3 CB, 2 OG, 2 WR, 1 DT):
1 WR Malachi Corley
1 WR Ladd McConkey
1 CB Ricardo Hallman
1 CB Kalen King
1 CB Max Melton
1 DT Brandon Dorlus
1 G Christian Mahogany
1 G Layden Robinson
Round 3 Pick 73 (2 DT, 1 S, 1 WR, 1 CB, 1 OT, 1 DE):
1 S Calen Bullock
1 CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
1 DT Braden Fiske
1 DT Brandon Dorlus
1 WR Johnny Wilson
1 OT Matt Goncalves
1 DE Austin Booker
Round 3 Pick 92 (2 CB, 2 DT, 1 OG, 1 LB, 1 S):
1 OG Zak Zinter
1 LB Payton Wilson
1 DT Maason Smith
1 DT DeWayne Carter
1 CB Ennis Rakestraw
1 CB Storm Duck
1 S James Williams
Round 5 pick 156 (1 RB, 1 WR, 1 OT):
1 RB Cody Schrader
1 WR Jordan Whittington
1 OT Brandon Coleman
Round 6 (1 OT, 1 WR, 1 CB):
1 OT Andrew Coker
1 WR Luke McCaffrey
1 CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
Round 7 (1 DE, 1 QB, 1 TE):
1 DE Jalen Green
1 QB Jason Bean
1 TE McCallan Castles
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