Lamorandier: Lions 2024 Mock Draft 1.0
After an impressive playoff run, NFL Draft season started a little later this year for Detroit Lions fans. With the NFL combine officially underway, it’s time to put together my first Lions seven-round mock draft.
Obviously, there will be some risers and fallers after the event in Indianapolis. The consensus draft board is always changing, but maybe not as much for the well-informed NFL teams.
Perhaps the most important evaluation will go on behind the scenes with the one-on-one interviews. Now having a good understanding of Brad Holmes’ philosophy on selecting prospects, football character and one's love of the game are both paramount elements. Those traits don’t necessarily get put on display for the average couch-scout while at the combine.
No matter the case, let’s get into my mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 29
Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
It’s no secret that the Lions could use more pass-rush help – especially from the interior. Newton is an undersized gap-shooter, with an impressive get-off and non-stop motor. Currently, the Lions don’t have that type of player on their roster.
However, Alim McNeill shows up in flashes, and has taken on more of that 3-tech role that Newton would likely fill. Also, the Lions will use their bigger defensive ends inside on obvious pass-rushing downs. There could be some overlap. In saying that, McNeill is going into the final year of his contract, and has position flexibility.
When you build a good roster, not every rookie is going to come in and immediately play every snap.
Round 2, Pick 61
Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
Hitting on perhaps the Lions' biggest position of need, an outside cornerback seemingly should be a priority. Needs don’t stop Holmes from drafting the best player available, though.
Jackson has impressive length, athletic ability and a knack for getting his hands on the ball. In a deeper corner class, there should still be a nice cover-man available in the second round. He is not just good in coverage, either, as Jackson is both physical and a reliable tackler against the run.
Round 3, Pick 73
Christian Haynes, IOL, UConn
There is a chance the Lions will be in the market for a starting guard, if they are not able to bring back both Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow in free agency. Fortunately, there is a decent history of selecting interior linemen in the middle rounds and being able to plug-and-play in year one.
I wouldn’t label Haynes necessarily as a road-grader, which maybe the Lions would want with their powerful rushing attack. He can still move well though for zone and pulling plays.
In pass protection, Haynes only allowed one sack, with almost 800 pass-blocking snaps over the last two years. The 6-foot-2, 320-pounder still has good arm length despite his average height. While primarily playing right guard while at UConn, a strong Senior Bowl showing demonstrated he could potentially move all around the interior.
Round 3, Pick 92 - Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
Another Senior Bowl standout, Isaac is a lean, athletic EDGE rusher who uses his hands and repertoire of pass-rush moves well. Isaac isn’t just an explosive, flexible EDGE bender, either. The 6-foot-4, 247-pounder has some power while rushing in his game, as well.
He may be more average against the run, but the Lions don’t need much help in that department. Overall, Isaac would fit the stand-up EDGE role that the Lions have been looking for.
Round 5, Pick 163 - Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
Smith is a gritty, jack-of-all-trades. Not your typical "X"-receiver, he excels in run after the catch, breaking tackles, special teams and blocking. At the very least, he could challenge for kick-return duties.
At this stage in the draft, selecting a player who can do a lot is useful, even if he isn’t necessarily a staple on offense. If offensive coordinator Ben Johnson can get him in open space, the explosive former running back can make things happen.
Round 6, Pick 207 - Jarius Monroe, CB, Tulane
Who knows what the Lions will do in free agency at cornerback. Even if they bring in another veteran, picking two corners in the draft can’t hurt. They need an injection of talented youth at the position.
Totaling six interceptions and 22 pass breakups over the last two seasons at Tulane, Monroe is a tough, physical corner. Listed at 6-foot and 204 pounds at the East-West Shrine Bowl, he had the game’s only interception, and took home defensive MVP honors. Based on interviews I’ve read of him, he appears to fit the culture of Detroit head coach Dan Campbell.
Round 7, Pick 247 - Nathan Thomas, OL, Louisiana-Lafayette
The big-bodied Thomas was a left tackle at the collegiate level. But, he may be more of a guard prospect at the next level, due to his run-blocking ability. Still, he could be used at multiple positions filling backup roles across the line, as the Lions' staff attempts to develop him.
