Chirco: Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

Lions general manager Brad Holmes currently owns seven total draft picks, including two sixth-round selections.

It's time for my fourth 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 15 (via trade with Indianapolis Colts) - CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo 

Trade details: 

Detroit trades No. 29 overall pick, 2025 second-rounder and 2025 fifth-rounder

Indianapolis trades No. 15 overall pick 

Even after adding Carlton Davis and Amik Armstead, the Lions, due to the release of Cam Sutton, still need to upgrade their cornerbacks room this offseason. It's why I have Detroit trading up to get Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell. 

Mitchell grew into one of the top corners in the nation in his final two seasons at Toledo. The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back recorded at least 19 passes defensed in each of the past two seasons, and also grabbed six total interceptions in his final two collegiate seasons.

He also impressively allowed a passer rating of just 34.8 and 51.1 in back-to-back seasons. And, for his efforts, he was an AP All-America selection in both 2022 (third-team) and 2023 (second-team), and received high overall marks from Pro Football Focus in both seasons (92.5 in 2022 and 91.5 in 2023). 

To me, the Toledo product would be a slam-dunk pick for the cornerback-needy Lions. 

Round 2, Pick 61 - WR Roman Wilson, Michigan

The Lions get some much-needed receiver help here. 

Wilson, standing in at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, would be a sufficient replacement for veteran wideout Josh Reynolds, who departed Detroit for the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason. 

Equipped with high-end speed and the knack for playing bigger than his size, the Michigan product profiles as a chain-moving slot receiver at the next level. 

In four seasons and 46 career games with the Wolverines, Wilson accumulated 107 receptions for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns, with 789 of those yards and 12 of those TDs coming in his final campaign in Ann Arbor. 

He'd be a solid find by Holmes on Day 2 of the draft.

Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (WO39) during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3, Pick 73 - EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan 

Kneeland – a local product who grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich. – was a standout run defender and a relentless, proficient pass-rusher during his five seasons at Western Michigan. While with the Broncos, Kneeland also demonstrated the ability to line up at multiple positions (including at EDGE and downhill linebacker) and be an every-down defender. 

In his final collegiate campaign in Kalamazoo, the 6-foot-3, 275-pounder accumulated 57 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

In my opinion, he'd provide the Lions with a solid EDGE complement to Pro Bowl defender Aidan Hutchinson. 

Round 4, Pick 118 (via trade with Seattle Seahawks) - OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington

Trade details: 

Detroit trades Eagles' 2025 fourth-round pick (acquired via D'Andre Swift trade) and own 2025 seventh-round pick 

Seattle trades No. 118 overall pick 

It wouldn't hurt the Lions to nab an offensive lineman in this year's draft. And, they get an athletic, proficient pass-protecting one here, in the form of Rosengarten. 

The 6-foot-5, 308-pounder, who started each of the past two seasons at right tackle for the Huskies, allowed zero sacks in both 2022 and 2023. And, in his final season at Washington, he received an 80.8 pass-blocking grade from PFF. 

He still needs to refine his run-blocking skills in order to become an effective, all-around NFL offensive lineman. 

However, at this juncture in the draft, he'd be a quality investment for Holmes and his Detroit front-office counterparts. 

Round 5, Pick 164 - DT Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa

The Northern Iowa defensive tackle would be a great value pick at this point in the fifth round. 

The East-West Shrine Bowl standout is one of the best small-school prospects in the draft. He played in at least seven games across five different seasons with the Panthers, and constantly thrived in pass-rushing situations. 

Additionally, he earned impressive marks from Pro Football Focus over the last two years for both his run-defense and pass-rushing efforts. 

In fact, among all interior defensive linemen in the 2024 draft class, he's been PFF’s highest-graded run defender since 2022 (92.1). Plus, among all interior linemen in the class, he ranks as the site's sixth-best pass-rusher since 2022 (83.1).

The well-rounded defensive lineman would undeniably be a solid find for Holmes & Co. at this stage in the draft.

Round 6, Pick 201 - CB Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn 

The Lions stack up on defensive back help here, with their second cornerback selection of the 2024 draft. After all the struggles that Detroit endured in pass coverage a season ago, I think doubling up on corners would be a wise investment from the team's front office.

Pritchett possesses a strong football IQ and the ability to cover receivers in both man and zone coverage schemes. 

The 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back had a solid career at Auburn, too. He amassed 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 PFF in 2023. 

To me, he has the necessary tools to grow into a proficient starter at outside cornerback at the next level. 

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

The Lions don't have a dire need at linebacker, but just like in my last mock draft, I believe it'd be worth it to take Bertrand here.

The Notre Dame product likely won't be a major contributor come Week 1 of this upcoming season. Yet, he definitely brings to the table strong enough leadership intangibles and versatility to be a valuable member of Detroit's linebackers group.

The cerebral Bertrand, standing in at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, would be a terrific understudy to Alex Anzalone. And, I bet that in no time, he'd grasp the concepts of Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's scheme. 

Bertrand will never be confused for being an athletic specimen. However, I still believe he'd be a solid depth piece at linebacker for the Lions. 

Round 7, Pick 249 - TE Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

Even with Brock Wright back in the fold, I think the Lions will target a tight end to round out this April's draft. In this mock draft, it happens to be Arizona's Tanner McLachlan.

McLachlan, who possesses a basketball background, is equipped with a solid degree of athleticism and some good hands. And, he possesses the ability to be a highly proficient red-zone target at the next level. 

In two seasons with the Wildcats, he appeared in 25 games, and produced 79 receptions, 984 yards and six touchdowns. 

In time, I believe he'd become a solid running mate for Sam LaPorta at tight end. It's why I think he'd be a more-than-worthwhile selection with the Lions’ final pick.