4 Prospects Lions Could Trade Up For in 2024 Draft
Through his first three drafts as Detroit Lions general manager, Brad Holmes has made it known that he's not afraid to wheel and deal.
In 2022, he traded up from the Lions’ second first-round pick (No. 32 overall) to nab Alabama receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 overall. Plus, he traded back from the No. 6 pick in last year's draft to notably select Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 and Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta at No. 34.
If Holmes were to trade up in this April's draft, he could go in a variety of different ways to upgrade Detroit's roster.
Without further ado, here are four prospects he might just swing a deal for on Day 1 of the 2024 draft.
CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
As the pre-draft process has gone on, Mitchell has become increasingly recognized as one of the very best corners in this year's draft class. The Toledo product could now feasibly be selected as early as the middle of the first round.
In each of his final two seasons with the Rockets, the 6-foot, 190-pound defensive back amassed at least 19 passes defensed. He also recorded six total interceptions in his final two collegiate seasons.
Additionally, in his final year at Toledo, he earned a Pro Football Focus overall mark of 91.5, including grades of 88.7 and 85.9 in man and zone coverage, respectively.
I have no doubt that he'd provide a big boost to the Lions’ cornerbacks group in 2024 and beyond.
EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
Robinson is a local product – a Canton (Mich.) High School graduate – who grew up as a Lions fan.
The 6-foot-5, 296-pound defender produced a career-best campaign in his fifth and final season at Missouri. He compiled 43 total tackles, including a staggering 14 for loss, 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble plus fumble recovery. For his efforts, Robinson received first-team All-SEC honors, plus an 83.1 overall grade from PFF.
Gifted with the necessary intangibles to be both a proficient run-stopper and pass-rusher at the next level, the ex-Missouri defender would be a solid addition to Detroit's defensive line.
DL Byron Murphy II, Texas
Murphy would provide a big boost to the Lions’ pass-rushing efforts along the interior of the defensive line.
The big-bodied defensive lineman recorded a career-high PFF overall grade of 91.1 last season, including a 91.5 pass-rush mark.
Presently, the Longhorns product is slated to be a mid-first round pick.
If Holmes & Co. can find a way to trade up and get their hands on Murphy, he'd provide Detroit with a nice running mate for Alim McNeill.
CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
The Iowa product is a tenacious, physical defender who possesses the ability to play in a variety of different alignments.
DeJean, who excelled in both zone coverage and against the run while with the Hawkeyes, had a very productive finish to his collegiate career.
In his final two seasons at Iowa, he accumulated a combined seven interceptions (three returned for touchdown), 20 passes defensed and even a punt return for touchdown. He also allowed a passer rating of just 49.7 and 37.8 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
For his efforts in ‘23, he was the recipient of a variety of accolades, including unanimous first-team All-America honors, first-team All-Big Ten honors (as a cornerback and return specialist) and the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award.
Recently, he's been mocked to go as high as No. 19 overall to the L.A. Rams and as low as No. 25 overall to the Green Bay Packers.
I wouldn't mind seeing Holmes trade up for DeJean, who seems to fit the mold of a prototypical Dan Campbell player.
