Lions Bolster Trenches in Latest Mock Draft
With NFL free agency officially underway, the Detroit Lions' 2024 roster is beginning to take shape.
With the new league year officially beginning Wednesday, the Lions have made numerous transactions official. Among them are the re-signing of offensive guard Graham Glasgow and the trade for cornerback Carlton Davis.
The Lions have agreed to contract terms with two other players, cornerback Amik Robertson and defensive end Marcus Davenport. Both of those signings are expected to become official in the coming days.
With more signings potentially on the horizon, the Lions could address a number of their needs prior to the NFL Draft.
However, general manager Brad Holmes has proven to be an excellent drafter and the Lions could add plenty of starting caliber talent.
Here's my latest projection at the Lions' seven-round haul in April's Draft.
Round One
Pick 29: Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton, DL, Illinois
The Lions' defensive line depth needs reinforcements, as the organization did not tender a contract to Benito Jones. With Levi Onwuzurike battling injuries and Brodric Martin unproven, Detroit should benefit from upgrading the young talent at the position.
Newton appears to be a strong fit within Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme. He met with the Lions at the Combine and enjoyed his interactions with the team, so he could also be a cultural fit.
Newton is a strong interior presence with flexibility, which could free up Alim McNeill up to roam along the interior and continue his upward trajectory.
Round Two
Pick 61: Christian Mahogany, OG, Boston College
With Jonah Jackson off to the Los Angeles Rams, the Lions need to reinforce what has been one of the NFL's strongest offensive lines over the last two seasons.
Glasgow is back, but the Lions need another solid guard to compliment the unit. Though they pass on the top talent in this mock, Mahogany is available for the taking in the second round.
He's a strong run blocker who would fit nicely with the Lions' ground-oriented attack. Mahogany logged a 74.5 run-blocking grade via Pro Football Focus last season with the Eagles.
Round Three
Pick 73: Renardo Green, CB, Florida State
Though the Lions have dedicated plenty to revamping their cornerback room throughout the early part of free agency, the upgrades may not stop. One option is for the organization to continue seeking out talent in the Draft.
Green is a good fit given his affinity for press-man coverage. He's a physical defender who recorded an 86.4 coverage grade from PFF last season.
With the Lions' desire to play man-to-man, drafting a corner with confidence and that skill set already built in would be a huge benefit.
Florida State cornerback Renardo Green.
© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Round Four
The Lions do not currently have a fourth-round selection
Round Five
Pick 164: Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
Mustapaha is an intriguing defender with plenty of athleticism. He was on The Athletic's "Freaks List" and runs very well while possessing a strong frame.
The Lions lost Ceedy Duce to the Eagles and released Tracy Walker III, so safety depth is key. Detroit has the duo of Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu still in tact, so there's confidence in that area still.
However, a player like Mustapha can offer support in the run game while having the potential to develop into a solid player.
Round Six
Pick 201: Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan
With Josh Reynolds' status uncertain, the Lions could use a strong "X" receiver. Enter Johnson, who didn't have the biggest numbers with the Wolverines but offers intriguing traits.
He's an athletic wideout who moves well and is strong at the catch point. Johnson also is a strong route-runner who is capable of shaking defenders and could have a similar trajectory to former Michigan wideout Nico Collins.
Pick 205: Delmar Glaze, OL, Maryland
In the late rounds, the Lions could stockpile depth at certain positions. One option is to add more competition to the offensive line room in the form Glaze.
The Lions have young options up front in the form of Kayode Awosika and Colby Sorsdal, so drafting Glaze would offer battles for those two players. Each offered intriguing signs in their limited opportunities, but will need strong second years to factor into the starting equation.
Glaze was a tackle in college but could slide into guard at the next level. Additionally, he could offer insurance behind starters Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker at the tackle position.
Round Seven
Pick 249: Trajan Jeffcoat, DE, Arkansas
With Detroit's final pick, Holmes could elect to bolster the edge presence. Though new signing Marcus Davenport will help the team, he's struggled with injuries as of late.
Jeffcoat could be a solid option. After transferring from Missouri, he had four sacks and eight tackles for loss with the Razorbacks last season. There's plenty of potential for him to develop into a key rotational piece.
