2027 Mock Draft Round Up #4

Walter Football Charlie (21. Ashton Hampton , CB, Clemson :  The Lions' terrible cornerback play is a result of Brad Holmes decisions like drafting Hendon Hooker instead of Tyrique Stevenson, selecting Terrion Arnold over Nate Wiggins or Kamari Lassiter, and signing D.J. Reed instead of re-signing Carlton Davis. Detroit badly needs cornerback talent. In 2026, Hampton has 19 tackles, one interception, and nine passes broken up thus far. To open 2026, on the second play of the blowout loss to LSU, Hampton had a nice interception of Sam Leavitt. Hampton was excellent versus Miami, showing the speed and twitch to cover the ultra-fast Malachi Toney. That was a huge tape for Hampton to show he can run with speed receivers. Hampton (6-3, 204) is a big cover corner who is long and physical. In 2025, he totaled 45 tackles with eight passes broken up and an interception. He had 27 tackles with two interceptions and five breakups as a freshman.) (10-30-26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2027charlie.php?rbBot

Athlonsports Easterling (25. Detroit Lions - Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson:  Even before they had to move on from a recent first-round pick in Terrion Arnold, the Lions already had depth issues in the secondary, and now they need to find a new No. 1 corner. Hampton has an ideal combination of size and length for the position, and he’s shown impressive technique and competitiveness so far this season. If he continues to make the most of his physical tools while showing all of those intangible traits, he could quickly become the best corner on this roster.) (10-29-26):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2027-nfl-mock-draft-updated-darian-mensah-drew-mestemaker-arch-manning-trinidad-chambliss

AtoZ Sports Crabbs and Gregson (24. Detroit Lions: Kade Pieper, IOL, Iowa - We have seen growth from Christian Mahogany this year, but is it enough to not completely sure up the offensive line? I think Kade Pieper could step in and be a stalwart for the Lions, and potentially be their long-term option at center if Cade Mays doesn’t work out. 56. Audavion Collins, CB, Penn State  88. CB DJ McKinney) (10-29-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/3-round-2027-nfl-mock-draft-jeremiah-smith-lanorris-sellers-darian-mensah/

AtoZ Sports DeLeone and Roberts (24. Detroit Lions: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State - The Lions address a major need in the secondary by selecting Jones.  Detroit has built much of its identity around a physical offensive line and a defense capable of creating pressure. However, that pressure becomes less effective if opposing quarterbacks can consistently find open receivers in coverage. Jones would give the Lions another young cornerback to develop in a position where quality depth is essential. The team needs players who can handle difficult assignments outside while giving the coaching staff flexibility with its coverage schemes.  Interior offensive lineman Greg Johnson was another possibility, but the need at cornerback makes Jones the more compelling choice in this mock draft. Improving the secondary would give Detroit a better chance to turn defensive pressure into incomplete passes and turnovers.) (10-29-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2027-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-cardinals-jets-browns-find-quarterbacks-jeremiah-smith-drew-mestemaker-colin-simmons-darian-mensah/

CBS Edwards (25. DE Boubacar Traore - PROSPECT RNK:  29th, POSITION RNK:  6th. Cornerback is a bigger need, but it may be easier to attack that position on Day 2. Detroit used a second-round pick on edge rusher Derrick Moore in 2026, but the team should not stop there, given its issues in recent years.) (10-28-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2027-nfl-mock-draft-week-8-jets-three-top-12-picks/

Walter Football Walt (25.  Damon Wilson II, DE, Missouri:  The Lions really liked Keldric Faulk, but had to pass on him for a tackle. Here's another bookend for Aidan Hutchinson.  Damon Wilson has great speed off the edge.) (10-27-26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2027_1.php

Tankathon (21. CB Kelley Jones) (10-25-26):  https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock-draft

SI Manzano (21. Detroit Lions (3–2): Devan Thompkins, edge, Alabama:  The USC transfer has made the most of the extra attention he’s gotten from playing next to Yhonzae Pierre at Alabama. He’s bigger than most edge rushers (6'5", 300 pounds) and knows how to use his size and strength to his advantage. He’s a polished pass rusher who could end Detroit’s long search for a serviceable No. 2 opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Thompkins has three sacks and one forced fumble.) (10-21-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2027-nfl-mock-draft-gilberto-manzano-pick-predictions-rounds-1-2

Draft Tek (20. Kelley Jones.  20. TE Jamari Johnson) (10-21-26):  https://www.drafttek.com/2027-NFL-Mock-Draft/2027-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (19. Detroit Lions – Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia: Whether in free agency or the draft, Detroit has to take drastic steps to upgrade a woefully undermanned secondary. A former five-star recruit, Robinson offers the size and athleticism to hang in man coverage as well as the coverage instincts and ball skills to thrive in zone looks. The former five-star recruit might take some time to settle in as a pro, but he gives the defense some hope for holding up against top receivers in the long term.) (10-14-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/10/14/nfl-mock-draft-2027-arch-manning/92235302007/

PFF McGuiness (25. Detroit Lions: IOL Kade Pieper, Iowa - PFF Big Board Rank: 37.  Juice Scruggs is playing the best football of his career with the Lions this season, but he is set to become a free agent in 2027. That could make center one of Detroit's top needs heading into next season. Pieper has played right guard this season, earning PFF grades above 85.0 in both pass blocking and run blocking, and should be capable of making the move to center.) (10-13-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-mock-draft-1-jeremiah-smith-goes-no-1-to-titans-five-qbs-land-in-first-round

Fox sports Rang (15. Detroit Lions: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson - Compelled to release former first-round pick Terrion Arnold following an offseason arrest, the Lions have since struggled in coverage and acknowledged they were in on Joey Porter Jr. trade talks. With Porter now in Dallas, Detroit may have little choice but to wait until next year to patch the position. Hampton has the size and agility to project as a future star in the NFL.) (10-8-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2027-nfl-mock-draft-arch-manning-first-qb-selected-jeremiah-smith-no-1-overall

Yahoo Tice (15. Detroit Lions — Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State:  As the late Owen Hart would say, "enough is enough and it's time for a change." The Lions desperately could use two things: A center (Minnesota's Greg Johnson came to mind) or a cornerback. They choose to improve one of the biggest holes in the NFL right now, even with three cornerbacks off the board. Jones has been a more consistent player to start this season and can fit in both zone or man schemes. His Inspector Gadget arms head up north to Detroit.) (10-8-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2027-nfl-mock-draft-first-version-includes-a-huge-trade-that-powers-arch-manning-to-no-1-spot-170653524.html

Yahoo (15. Detroit Lions — Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina:  Figuring out where Stewart fits in this class now — or whether he might stay in college — is trickier than it was a month ago. Stewart's suspension has raised some character questions, although it appears he's back on a track to return to playing. Stewart's production has also been somewhat underwhelming considering his rare gifts. If he can find a way to display those skills, this might be too tempting for Detroit to pass on. The Lions badly need a rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.) (10-8-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2027-nfl-mock-draft-10-5-quarterbacks-land-in-round-1-but-wr-jeremiah-smith-lands-at-no-1-154904997.html

Athletic Baumgartner (19. Detroit Lions: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia - Detroit’s situation in the secondary is a mess right now, and few teams are as light at corner. Robinson is a bit undersized, at 6-0, 180, but he is very long and extremely fluid athletically. This could be about the first-round floor for the former five-star prospect.) (10-7-26):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7665591/2026/10/07/nfl-mock-draft-2027-smith-carr/

CBS Wilson (25. Ty Benefield S - PROSPECT RNK:  57th.  POSITION RNK:  4th.  The Lions have two of the best safeties in football ... when they're healthy. Benefield is a tackling machine coming downhill, but he's been good in coverage, too.) (10-5-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2027-nfl-mock-draft-arch-manning-first-round-quarterback/

Draftwire Banks (16. Detroit, Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama:  The OnePride really needs to improve pass defense.) (10-5-26):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/10/05/time-for-a-full-nfl-mock-draft-update-with-more-player-descriptions/92105596007/ 

OnSI Melo (21. Detroit Lions: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State - The Detroit Lions were allowing a league-high 299.3 passing yards per game prior to Sunday Night Football. The Terrion Arnold situation did not help. Cornerback will be high on Brad Holmes' offseason to-do list. Mississippi State's Kelley Jones has carried over the momentum from his breakout 2025 season to 2026, having already recorded six pass breakups.) (10-5-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/2027-nfl-mock-draft-trinidad-chambliss-crashes-the-qb1-race

Round 1 (9 CB, 4 DE, 2 S, 2 G, 1 TE):

3 CB Kelley Jones

3 CB Ashton Hampton 

2 CB Ellis Robinson IV

2 G Kade Pieper

1 CB Zabien Brown

1 S Ty Benefield 

1 S KJ Bolden

1 DE  Damon Wilson II

1 DE Dylan Stewart

1 DE Boubacar Traore

1 DE Devan Thompkins

1 TE Jamari Johnson 

Round 2 (1 CB):

1 CB Audavion Collins

Round 3 (1 CB):

1 CB DJ McKinney