Lions 2024 Mock Draft Simulation 1.0
The Detroit Lions have a new task this offseason.
After building the team into a contender, general manager Brad Holmes and company now must assemble the necessary pieces to take the team to a Super Bowl championship.
The Lions outperformed expectations in 2023, marching to the NFC Championship Game. They took the San Francisco 49ers to the brink, but ultimately came up short.
Now, the Lions have multiple areas that they must address going forward. Holmes has proven to be a master talent evaluator when it comes to the NFL Draft, nailing several picks that have ignited the team's rebuild.
This year will be different, though, as the Lions won't have a top-10 pick for the first time under Holmes. Last year, they were slated to pick sixth before trading back to No. 12 and selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Detroit will pick 29th in the NFL Draft. Utilizing PFF's Mock Draft Simulator, I attempted to predict where the Lions would go at every pick.
Beginning at No. 29, Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was the pick. He's been a riser for his physicality, and his style of play fits the Lions well. He's very long and moves smoothly, a trait that should transition to the NFL well as he covers elite wideouts.
In round 2, at No. 61 overall, the Lions selected Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat. The Longhorn had 17.0 sacks in four seasons at the college level, and has stood out at the Senior Bowl.
After targeting the defense with its first two picks, Detroit elects to go with offense with its pair of third-round selections. First up is Connecticut offensive guard Christian Haynes, who has also delivered a solid performance at the Senior Bowl.
With the other third-round selection, the Lions make a luxury pick in the form of Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. The explosive wideout notched over 3,000 receiving yards in college, and would bring added competition to a solid wide receivers room.
After not making a selection in the fourth round, Detroit selected Washington State EDGE rusher Brennan Jackson with its lone fifth-round selection. He had 40 pressures with the Cougars this season, and recorded eight sacks.
Jackson, at the least, would create competition with Josh Paschal and James Houston to work opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
In the sixth round, Detroit selects South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis. He's an intriguing player who is very explosive. The Lions have the tandem of Montgomery and Gibbs, so not much would be required of him early.
However, depth is important in the NFL, and he would provide competition for Craig Reynolds. His explosiveness is hard to ignore, and with some development, the young player could be a perfect fit as a change-of-pace back in Ben Johnson's offense.
Davis also has traits that make one believe he could contribute on special teams as well.
With their final pick, the Lions selected Florida center Kingsley Eguakan. This is an insurance plan, as Detroit's All-Pro center Frank Ragnow dealt with numerous injuries this season.
