3-Round 2024 Lions Mock Draft
With the 2023 season now officially over, it's time to predict what Lions general manager Brad Holmes could do in this April's NFL Draft.
Holmes presently has seven total picks at his disposal, including four through the draft's first three rounds.
Here is a 2024 three-round mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 29
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
The Lions direly could use cornerback help, and Rakestraw is their guy in this mock draft.
The Missouri product has become a popular pick for Holmes & Co. over the last week or so – and for good reason.
Rakestraw proved to be a more than capable run defender in his final season with the Tigers. He earned an 89.0 Pro Football Focus run-defense grade for his efforts. Additionally, he showcased top-notch man coverage instincts, and excelled in zone coverage. In fact, he earned an 85.2 zone-coverage mark from PFF in 2023.
According to The Draft Network, “Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is an instinctive, sticky man corner whose twitch, length, and press-man ability make life tough for opposing pass-catchers.”
Rakestraw could come in and start right away, and would be an immediate upgrade for Detroit's much-maligned cornerbacks room.
Round 2, Pick 61
DT Braden Fiske, Florida State
Fiske proved to be disruptive both against the run and as a pass-rusher during a college career that started at Western Michigan. He redshirted in 2018, and then suited up for four seasons with the Broncos (2019-2022), before transferring to Florida State for his final collegiate campaign. And, the defensive tackle was just as good with the Seminoles.
Notably, he ended his college career on a high note, amassing three sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in Florida State's ACC Championship Game win over Louisville.
Equipped with a high motor and a violent style of play, the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder would be a great fit along the interior of Aaron Glenn’s defensive line.
Round 3, Pick 73
WR Brenden Rice, USC
Rice would be a solid find for Detroit's receivers room at this point in the draft.
Rice, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, doesn't profile to be a top-flight wideout at the next level. However, he has the necessary intangibles to be a very adequate No. 3 NFL receiver.
If Detroit doesn't find a No. 3 receiver in free agency this offseason, Rice could slide right in behind Jameson Williams and fill that void on the Lions’ receivers depth chart.
Rice possesses some excellent hands and ball skills, and at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, he also has the prototypical size to be an NFL receiver for a long time.
Round 3, Pick 92
OL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
There are question marks aplenty along Detroit's offensive line going into the offseason.
Guards Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow are both set to be unrestricted free agents, and there’s no guarantee that either will be back with the Lions in 2024.
Enter Beebe, who profiles as a high-IQ, high-motor lineman with the ability to play at both left guard and left tackle.
Additionally, during his time at Kansas State, he showcased proficiency as both a run blocker and a pass protector. And, from all accounts, his skills should translate well to the next level.
At the very least, the 2022 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year should be an adequate NFL starter.
