Lamorandier: Mock Draft 1.0 for Lions in 2024
For Detroit Lions supporters, the NFL Draft season began a little later this year following an outstanding postseason performance.
It’s time to assemble my first seven-round mock draft of the Lions, as the NFL combine has officially begun.
There will undoubtedly be some winners and losers from the Indianapolis tournament. The consensus draft board is constantly shifting, but perhaps not to the same extent for the knowledgeable NFL teams.
The one-on-one interviews that take place behind closed doors may be the most significant assessment.
Now that you have a solid knowledge of Brad Holmes’ prospect selection philosophy, you can see how important it is to have both a love for football and strong character. At the same time, those qualities aren’t often on display for the typical couch scout.
It’s no secret that the Lions, particularly from the inside, could use more pass-rush support.Newton is a little gap shooter with a powerful takeoff and constant motor. That kind of player isn’t on the Lions’ roster right now.
But Alim McNeill makes brief appearances and now primarily plays the 3-tech role that Newton would probably play. On clear pass-rushing downs, the Lions will also employ their larger defensive ends inside.
There can be a little overlap. Having said that, McNeill still has flexibility in his position as he approaches the end of his contract.
It’s not possible for every rookie to start playing every snap when you have a strong roster.
Considering that an outside cornerback is arguably the Lions’ greatest need, getting one should seem to be a top priority. Holmes nevertheless selects the greatest player available, regardless of needs.
Jackson possesses exceptional length, athleticism, and a talent for grabbing the ball. In the second round, there ought to still be a decent coverman available in a deeper corner class.
Jackson is not only an effective cover player but also a strong physical player who can be counted on to challenge opponents on the run.
The Lions may need to acquire a starting guard if they are unable to re-sign both Graham Glasgow and Josh Jackson during the free agency period. Thankfully, there’s a respectable track record of choosing interior linemen in the middle rounds who can start right away.
Haynes isn’t exactly a road grader, though the Lions might want him because of their potent rushing assault. Even so, he still has good movement for pulling plays and zoning.
Over the previous two years, Haynes has allowed nearly 800 pass-blocking snaps while only allowing one sack in pass protection.
Despite his average height, the 6-foot-2, 320-pound player still has good arm length. Although he played right guard most of his time at UConn, he showed in the Senior Bowl that he could play all interior positions.
Isaac, a slim, athletic EDGE rusher who excels at using his hands and range of pass-rush moves, is another standout at the Senior Bowl.Isaac is not only a flexible, explosive EDGE bender, though. The 6-foot-4, 247-pound player also possesses some power when sprinting.
He could be mediocre against the run, but the Lions don’t really need his assistance. In general, Isaac would be a good fit for the Lions’ desired stand-up EDGE role.
Smith is a dependable multitasker. He is not your normal X receiver; instead, he excels in blocking, breaking tackles, running after the catch, and special teams. He could, at minimum, run for kick-return responsibilities.
Even if a guy isn’t a surefire starter on offense, picking a versatile player at this point in the draft is still beneficial. The dynamic former running back can create opportunities if offensive coordinator Ben Johnson can reach him in free space.
Who knows what the Lions will do at cornerback when they have free agency? It can’t hurt to take two corners in the draft, even if they add another veteran. Talented young people need to be brought in to fill the role.
Monroe is a tough, muscular cornerback who has totaled 22 pass breakups and six interceptions over the last two seasons at Tulane. At the East-West Shrine Bowl, he was listed as 6-foot and 204 pounds.
He recorded the only interception of the game and won defensive MVP. I’ve read interviews with him, and he seems to match Detroit head coach Dan Campbell’s culture.
The large-framed Thomas played left tackle in college. But with his run-blocking prowess, he might have more guard potential at the next level. Nevertheless, as the Lions’ staff works to develop him, he might be employed in a variety of capacities, covering backup responsibilities all along the way.
