Chirco: Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Could Lions take underrated offensive lineman in first round of NFL Draft?

It's time for my third Lions-centric seven-round mock of the 2024 draft season. 

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes currently owns seven total picks, including a pair of sixth-round selections.

Without further ado, here is my latest stab at predicting what the Lions will do this April.

Round 1, Pick 29 - OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU 

The Lions find their starting left tackle of the future here. With more and more speculation about Taylor Decker's future in Detroit being uncertain, Suamataia would be a great pick for today's Lions and the Lions of tomorrow, too. 

Equipped with high-end athletic ability and power at the point of attack, the 6-foot-5, 326-pound Suamataia made his presence known quite often at BYU.

He took 644 snaps at left tackle with the Cougars in 2023, and earned an exemplary pass-blocking grade of 86.1 from Pro Football Focus. While he's already a proficient pass-protector, he does need to refine his skills as a run-blocker. 

Nonetheless, he appears to have all the necessary physical intangibles to grow into a high-end blindside protector at the next level. 

While Suamataia hasn't been mocked a ton at this point in the draft, I think it'd still be more than worth it for the Lions to take him here. 

Round 2, Pick 61 - WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

Lions fans have been clamoring for the organization to add an impact receiver all offseason long, and Holmes & Co. finally do just that here. 

Franklin, standing in at 6-foot-2, 176 pounds, can slide right in to fill the void created by the departure of veteran wideout Josh Reynolds, who inked a free-agent deal with the Denver Broncos. 

During his three seasons with the Ducks, Franklin consistently showcased the ability to take the top off of defenses. 

In his final season at Oregon, he amassed single-season school records in receiving yards (1,383), receiving touchdowns (14) and 100-yard receiving games (eight). And, for his efforts, he was named first-team All-Pac-12. 

He profiles as a dynamic vertical threat at the next level, and as a player that eventually could grow into a No. 2-caliber receiver. He'd be a nice find by Detroit's front office on Day 2 of the draft. 

Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin celebrates a touchdown.

Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

Round 3, Pick 73 - S Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL) 

With the departure of CJ. Gardner-Johnson, the Lions could use a safety, and they get a quality one here in the form of Kinchens.

The ultra-athletic Kinchens, standing in at 5-foot-11, 203 pounds, became known as a ballhawk during his time with the Hurricanes. Additionally, he is known to possess high-level ball skills, as well as high-end coverage ability in man. In 2022 and 2023 combined, he amassed 11 interceptions and six passes defensed.

He was so good in 2022 that he was both a first-team All-ACC selection and an AP first-team All-America selection. Plus, he earned a 90.0 overall mark from PFF for his efforts during the aforementioned campaign.

And most importantly to NFL evaluators, it is believed that his coverage skills will translate to the next level, making him an extremely valuable asset to an NFL team's secondary.

I'd be more than fine with the Lions grabbing the Miami defender at this point in the draft.

Round 5, Pick 164 - EDGE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State 

You can never have enough pass-rushers, and Detroit gets a very solid one here in the form of Kamara.

The 6-foot-1, 248-pound EDGE was the definition of productive during his five-year career at Colorado State. He developed a strong knack for getting to the quarterback, finishing with 32 total sacks. He produced a career-best 14 in 2023, and racked up a variety of accolades, including Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. 

He'd be a nice piece to add to the Lions’ pass-rushing arsenal.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Colorado State defensive lineman Mohamed Kamara (DL40).

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6, Pick 201 - CB Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn 

Sure, it would've been nice to grab a cornerback earlier than this, but the Lions get nice value here in the form of Pritchett. 

Pritchett, equipped with a strong football IQ and the ability to cover receivers in both man and zone coverage schemes, had a solid career at Auburn. 

The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back recorded 115 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss, 29 passes defensed, three interceptions and a sack in 51 career games with the Tigers. 

Playing mostly on the outside, he earned a 74.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023. 

With some proper seasoning, he certainly could be a competent starting outside cornerback at the next level. 

Round 6, Pick 205 - LB J.D. Bertrand, Notre Dame

The Lions add a quality developmental piece for the linebackers room with this selection here. 

Bertrand might not be a high-impact contributor right away. Yet, he definitely has strong enough leadership intangibles and versatility to be of immediate value to the team's linebackers group.

To me, the cerebral Bertrand, standing in at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, would be a terrific understudy to Alex Anzalone. Additionally, I bet he'd quickly pick up the concepts of Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's scheme. 

I believe that Bertrand, while not the most athletically gifted, has the necessary tools to become a solid role player in Glenn's unit. 

Round 7, Pick 249 - CB Kamal Hadden, Tennessee

The Lions close out the 2024 draft by adding a nice depth piece to their cornerbacks room. 

Hadden, a product of River Rouge High School in Michigan, put together a solid final season at Tennessee, despite suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in mid-October. He led the Volunteers with eight pass break-ups, and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. For his efforts, he earned an 85.7 overall grade from PFF, including a 90.4 coverage grade from the popular site.

I believe he has the makeup to develop into a starter at the next level, making him a solid get for the Lions at this advanced stage in the draft.