Lions Trade Up to Get Cornerback in Latest Mock Draft
It's time for another seven-round mock draft at All Lions.
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes currently possesses seven total picks, including a pair of third-round selections. It's expected that he'll make a concerted effort to upgrade the defense this April (April 25-27).
Without further ado, here is my second 2024 seven-round mock draft for the Lions.
Round 1, Pick 13 (via trade with Las Vegas Raiders) - CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
The Lions open up the 2024 draft by trading up from the No. 29 overall pick to get their No. 1 cornerback. In this scenario, I have Holmes also dealing Detroit's first-of-two third-round selections (No. 73 overall) to land this pick.
Arnold, who was a member of the Crimson Tide for three seasons (redshirted in 2021), has all of the physical tools to be a high-level corner at the next level.
In 2023, he posted an impressive stat line: five interceptions, 17 passes defensed, a forced fumble, a sack and 63 total tackles, including 6.5 for loss.
Additionally, in 471 coverage snaps a season ago, he allowed a passer rating of just 50.7. He also proved to be a highly effective run defender, recording a Pro Football Focus run-defense grade of 90.6.
For his efforts, he earned first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press and an overall grade of 88.4 from PFF.
There's no doubt in my mind that he'd make an immediate impact in Detroit's secondary.
Round 2, Pick 61 - EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
The local product – who grew up in Grand Rapid, Mich. – has seen his stock rise recently (and for good reason).
The Senior Bowl standout was both a highly effective run defender and a relentless, proficient pass-rusher during his five seasons with the Broncos. While at Western Michigan, Kneeland also displayed the ability to line up at multiple positions (including at EDGE and downhill linebacker) and be an every-down defender.
In his final collegiate campaign in Kalamazoo, the 6-foot-3, 275-pounder accumulated 57 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
I believe Kneeland would provide the Lions with a nice complement at EDGE opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Round 3, Pick 92 - DT Braden Fiske, Florida State
I've been enamored with Fiske, a high-motor, violent interior defensive lineman, all mock draft season long.
He proved to be both an effective run-stopper and pass-rusher during a collegiate career that began at Western Michigan. He redshirted in 2018, and then played for four seasons with the Broncos (2019-2022), before transferring to Florida State for his final college season.
In his lone season with the Seminoles, the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder amassed 43 total tackles, including nine for loss, and six sacks.
I think Fiske would be a great fit alongside Alim McNeill on the interior of Detroit's defensive line.
Round 5, Pick 162 - WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
The Lions provide a much-needed boost to their wide receivers depth with this pick here.
Johnson might not make an immediate impact at the next level, but he appears to possess the necessary physical tools – at 6-foot-3, 208 pounds – to grow into an NFL-caliber receiver.
He amassed 47 receptions for 604 yards and a touchdown in his final season with the Wolverines.
Johnson feasibly could take fellow former U-M wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones’ spot on Detroit's roster in 2024 and then gradually develop into a more-than-capable No. 4 receiver. At this juncture in the draft, it's hard to guarantee much more than that level of production from a wide receiver.
Round 6, Pick 206 - OT Ethan Driskell, Marshall
The Lions add a quality developmental piece for the offensive line with this selection here.
Driskell might not be an immediate contributor, but man, does he have a lot to get NFL teams excited about.
For one, he possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism, standing in at 6-foot-8 and 312 pounds. He's also light on his feet, and is equipped with solid foot quickness.
He played exclusively at left tackle in his final season at Marshall (907 snaps), and recorded a 74.9 PFF pass-blocking grade.
Once again, he's no finished product by any means. However, with the proper tutelage from Detroit offensive line coach Hank Fraley, there's definitely a chance that Driskell develops into a high-quality depth piece.
Round 7, Pick 246 - TE Erick All, Iowa
The Lions have a lot of uncertainty at tight end behind Pro Bowler Sam LaPorta, a rookie sensation in 2023.
Brock Wright, last year's primary backup at the position, finished the ‘23 season on injured reserve, and will be a restricted free agent this offseason. Meanwhile, fellow reserve TE James Mitchell, a second-year player a season ago, caught just two balls for 28 yards during his sophomore NFL campaign.
There's also no guarantee that fellow tight ends Shane Zylstra, Anthony Firkser and Zach Ertz will be on next year's roster because of their respective contract statuses.
Enter All, an Iowa Hawkeyes product, like LaPorta, who was a Big Ten honorable mention in 2023.
The big-bodied pass-catcher, standing in at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, started off his collegiate career at the University of Michigan. He profiles as an alignment-versatile tight end at the next level, and I believe he'd form a solid one-two punch at tight end with LaPorta in Detroit.
