Booher: Lions' 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
The Detroit Lions have clear needs ahead of their offseason, but how they manage them remains to be seen.
General manager Brad Holmes has the opportunity to improve the team through both free agency and the NFL Draft. In his first three years, he has established himself as one of the league's best performers in the annual draft.
Just last season, he drafted starters with each of his first four picks. If he is able to sustain that success, the Lions will continue to be among the NFL's best teams.
Here is a prediction of what the Lions could do across the seven rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Round 1
No. 29 overall -- Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell has quickly become a trendy pick for the Lions at the back of the first round, and it's not hard to see why. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, showing off a skill in man coverage against some of the best receiver prospects in the Draft.
He was a lockdown player at Toledo, amassing a 91.6 Pro Football Focus coverage grade. Mitchell also has the ability to be physical and play the run, a trait that will be appealing to the Lions.
Detroit needs to address the secondary early. In a deep cornerback class, the Lions would be content standing pat and landing a very good player at the end of the first round.
Toledo Rockets defensive back Quinyon Mitchell.
Lon Horwedel, USA TODAY Sports
Round 2
No. 61 overall -- Maason Smith, DL, LSU
Detroit witnessed a breakout season by Alim McNeill in 2023. However, the depth outside of him was up and down. Levi Onwuzurike has yet to live up to his billing as a 2021 second-rounder, and the Lions wound up relying on veteran Tyson Alualu at the end of the year.
Adding Smith would give the Lions another talented player on the interior with tons of potential. An injury plagued him at LSU, as he was limited to just one game in 2022. He had a solid campaign in 2023, totaling 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
At the least, he could be a rotational player in his first season who could both spell and play next to McNeill on certain downs. Defensive line is a key area of need for the Lions, and he could help them continue to shut down opposing run games.
Round 3
No. 73 overall -- Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah
With the offense in a good spot, the Lions can continue to stack up defenders early in the Draft. They have one of the league's best young edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson, so picking Elliss could give him a running mate.
Elliss had a standout season at Utah, racking up 12.5 sacks and 16 total tackles for loss. He has a deep bag of rush moves and pairs that with a quick first step off the ball.
Detroit was severely lacking a consistent presence opposite Hutchinson, as James Houston missed most of the season with an injury. Elliss needs some development, but can provide the presence that was lacking in a rotational role right away.
Utah Utes defensive end Jonah Elliss.
© Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
No. 92 overall -- Johnny Wilson, WR/TE, Florida State
Wilson is a big target at 6-foot-7. He enjoyed two successful seasons at Florida State after transferring from Arizona State. In 2023, he played as a solid second option behind Keon Coleman.
While he doesn't have the best foot speed and needs fine-tuning with his routes, he could be a better fit at the tight end position. He's strong and physical, so utilizing him as a backup to Sam LaPorta and pairing them in run-blocking situations would be an interesting wrinkle.
The Lions have gotten production from Brock Wright in recent years, but Wilson can be viewed as an upgrade with his receiving skills. Detroit also could benefit from adding an imposing red zone presence to its wide receiving corps.
Round 4
The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection
Round 5
No. 162 overall -- Dylan McMahon, C, N.C. State
The 2023 season was a tough one for center Frank Ragnow. His production was solid, but he suffered through a myriad of injuries that forced him to limit his practice time throughout the season.
He will be the team's center for as long as he wishes to be, as he continues to perform at an All-Pro level. However, McMahon could be a solid insurance plan who would be a developmental player in his rookie season.
The Lions drafted a guard in the fifth round last year in Colby Sorsdal. Though he stepped in and started three games this year, his rookie season was mostly one dedicated to learning.
McMahon would take a similar route in this scenario, learning from Ragnow while the Lions evaluate his potential as the center of the future.
Round 6
No. 206 overall -- Will Reichard, K, Alabama
The Lions need stability at the kicker position. Michael Badgley has been solid when given the opportunities, but his lack of usage in the NFC Championship game hinted at a lack of trust in him when it comes to longer kicks.
Reichard was among the best in college football this year, going 22-of-25 with a long of 52. He set the NCAA record for career points and hit 10 field goals of 50 yards or longer.
Round 7
No. 246 overall -- Qwan'tez Stiggers, CB, CFL
Every season, it seems as though the Lions take a flyer on Day Three on an intriguing prospect who has flown under the radar. Stiggers is a prime candidate with an excellent story and could fit the Lions' culture.
After losing his father in a tragic accident, Stiggers' college football career was derailed. With stops in the Fan Controlled Football League and most recently the CFL, he has put himself back in the mix to be drafted.
Stiggers played for the Toronto Argonauts and was the 2024 CFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He put on a strong showing at the Shrine Bowl in January.
