We take a closer look at the 2024 NFL Draft prospects projected for the Detroit Lions last week.
If you don't know how the Detroit Lions recap works, every week we collect data from the latest expert mock drafts released in the last seven days and present it (with links to the original pieces) in an easily accessible Articles together. In addition to providing Lions fans with the names of prospects being matched with Detroit, we also provide commentary highlighting trends, player fit and overall team philosophy.
In this week's mock draft roundup, we take a look at 27 mock drafts that were recently released, and unsurprisingly, they paired the Lions with a defenseman a whopping 26 times. Let's take a look at how things broke down and which players were assigned to the Lions.
Players with offensive skills
Bryan Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Source: Bleacher Report Scouting Department
“Detroit's offense is already good, but imagine replacing Josh Reynolds' snaps with a quick, explosive presence who still has room to grow as a player.” That's Brian Thomas Jr. at 6-foot-10 and weighing in at 200 pounds, Thomas is a bit skinny for his frame, but he is incredibly explosive, both as a route runner and with the ball in his hands. While he's not yet a complete route runner, he shows technical ability and enough agility to suggest he can develop into something ferocious.” — Derrick Klassen
Erik's thoughts:
The Lions haven't had a true WR-X in nearly three seasons and Thomas would be a plug-and-play starter at this point. Stylistically, he would fit in beautifully and immediately add value to the Lions' top-five offense. But would general manager Brad Holmes spend a first-round pick on an offensive player for the third straight season? I've learned my lesson and I'm not ruling anything out.
Offensive linemen
None
Erik's thoughts:
It's a bit surprising that no offensive lineman has been linked to the Lions this week – especially with both starting guards' contracts expiring – but I attribute that to the Lions having a glaring defensive need and analysts still having some learn about this offensive line class.
Defensive tackle
Byron Murphy, 3T, Texas
Source: Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports), Patrick Finley (Chicago Sun-Times)
“I can’t imagine Murphy lasting that long; It's just that I couldn't find a place for him upstairs. Either way, the Lions are getting a bargain here with arguably the most nervous center backs in the class.” – Wilson
Erik's thoughts:
Murphy vs. Jer'Zhan Newton (Illinois) for the DT1 spot looks to be an interesting battle, but both players would easily fit alongside Alim McNeill in Detroit. The Lions lacked an interior pass rusher to complement McNeill, and Murphy (or Newton) could be a real possibility if he's there when the Lions are on the clock.
Edge rusher
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Source: Charles McDonald and Nate Tice (Yahoo! Sports), Curt Popejoy (Draft Wire)
“The Lions need to add some punch at pass rusher to keep up with Aidan Hutchinson, and Laiatu Latu is a great all-around choice with a nice polish to his pass rush moves.” – Popejoy
Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
Source: Field Yates (ESPN), Chad Reuter (NFL.com), Damian Parson (The Draft Network), Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports)
“Here's one of my favorite player-team matchups, as Robinson feels like the kind of brute force player the Lions crave in their squad. After 8.5 sacks in 2023, he would give Detroit a big lead over Aidan Hutchinson and could enjoy favorable matchups as teams allocate resources to Hutchinson on every snap. “In addition, he is a transformed defensive tackle who can step inside and wreak havoc when lined up over guards or centers.” – Yates
Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
Source: JP Acosta (SB Nation)
“Physical, high motor and wins with strength. Braswell fits the type of player Dan Campbell wants on his defensive line and also has the athletic ability to win at the NFL level. Detroit desperately needs a second pass rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson, and Braswell fits the bill.” – Acosta
Erik's thoughts:
All three edge rushers who helped Detroit win have different paths. Latu is a versatile pass rusher, Robinson fits the Josh Paschal/John Cominsky mold, and Braswell could end up being the SAM linebacker that eluded the Lions last season. Given the Lions' diverse front, one could certainly argue that all three are the favorites.
Defensive backs
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Source: Benjamin Solak (The Ringer), Devin Jackson (Philadelphia Inquirer)
“The Lions’ defensive backcourt urgently needs modernization. Nate Wiggins' smoothness when backpedaling and quick closing on routes are similar to Christian Gonzalez's last season. His length and athleticism will allow him to thrive in Aaron Glenn's defensive system.” – Jackson
Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
Source: Justin Rogers (Detroit News), Luke Easterling (Sports Illustrated), Brett Whitefield (Fantasy Points), Joel Klatt (Fox Sports), Connor Livesay (33rd Team), Andrew Erickson (Fantasy Pros), Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz ( UNITED STATES). Today)
“The Lions have one of the most complete rosters in the league, but they still have a few glaring needs, the biggest of which is at corner. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued this unit all year long, so giving their first choice to a tough, smart deckman would be ideal. Rakestraw ticks both boxes and has the instincts and athleticism to limit big plays through the air.” – Ostling
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Source: Nolan Bianchi (Detroit News), Nick Baumgardner (The Athletic), Shane Hallam (Draft Countdown), Josh Edwards (CBS Sports), Garrett Podell (CBS Sports)
“The Lions desperately need CB help, but also need to address the fringe position opposite Aidan Hutchinson. McKinstry, Arnold's running mate at Alabama, was the higher-rated recruit because of his outstanding combination of size (6-1, 195), length and athletic balance. McKinstry is a very patient player and could help Detroit right away.” – Baumgardner
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Source: Ryan McCrystal (Sharp Analysis), Scott Smith (Buccaneers.com), Ben Natan (Bleeding Green Nation)
“The Lions tried to fix their secondary through free agency last season, but it never really worked out. Detroit ranked 27th in yards allowed per game and 30th in yards allowed per pass. New additions Brian Branch and Cam Sutton are the goaltenders, but the Lions need help all over the backcourt. Lassiter has quick feet and can defend the ball in depth, but he's also willing to get physical, which Dan Campbell will certainly appreciate.” – Smith
Erik's thoughts:
Seventeen of the 27 mock drafts cited this week presented the Lions with an outside cornerback. Yes, it seems obvious to go that route because it's a glaring need, but the depth of talent at the end of the first round also seems to be there. After Terron Armstead (Alabama), Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo) and Cooper DeJean (Iowa), the four cornerbacks mentioned above appear to round out the defensive backs most believe could be selected in the first round.
Wiggins is rated by some analysts as the top half of first-round prospects, while others rank him at the very bottom of the round. Rakestraw and McKinstry are typically grouped closely together as players expected to leave the field somewhere in their 20s, while Lassiter is an up-and-coming talent.
For the second week in a row, Rakestraw has the most predictions for the Lions (seven of the 27 in the table), and at this point it's easy to see why. He has good coverage and toughness, but is also arguably the best defensive back in this class when it comes to stopping the run.
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