Mock Draft Roundup: Lions Key In On EDGE Rushers
It's time for the sixth All Lions mock draft roundup for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Since the end of last week's NFL combine, EDGEs Chop and Darius Robinson have have become increasingly popular picks for the Lions at No. 29 overall.
Let’s take a peek now at who the draft analysts have Lions general manager Brad Holmes selecting in the first round.
Offensive lineman Graham Barton, Duke
Barton is presently being selected by the following:
DetroitLions.com (Tim Twentyman)
As Twentyman writes,
"When we get to this spot at No. 29 there's a great chance an interior offensive lineman or a wide receiver is the top player on GM Brad Holmes' board. Holmes said he won't overlook the offensive line this offseason. If Detroit can't re-sign unrestricted free agent Jonah Jackson this makes even more sense.
Barton would be a great addition in Detroit with his tenacity and versatility. He started his career at center and transitioned to left tackle but projects more inside in the NFL. At 6-foot-5, 313 pounds he's got terrific length and could really play all five spots upfront, if needed. He starts at guard and is the long-term answer at center. I think he ultimately gives Powers-Johnson a good run for the best interior lineman in this draft."
Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Morgan is currently being projected by the following:
As Edwards opines,
"Jonah Jackson has signed elsewhere in this scenario, so Detroit drafts Jordan Morgan. Morgan played left tackle at Arizona but moves inside for the Lions. Dan Campbell has created a physical football team, so if a piece to that Jenga tower is removed, then it must be replaced or the whole thing is at risk of toppling down."
Center Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Powers-Johnson is presently being picked by the following:
Detroit Free Press (Dave Birkett)
Offensive lineman Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Frazier is currently being mocked by the following:
Cornerback Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins is presently being picked by the following:
Pro Football Network (Dallas Robinson)
EDGE Chris Braswell, Alabama
Braswell is currently being projected by the following:
Pro Football Network (Adam Caplan)
Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Mitchell is presently being picked by the following:
Pro Football Network (Tony Catalina)
Defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
Newton is currently being picked by the following:
Cornerback Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Arnold is presently being selected by the following:
The Draft Network (Keith Sanchez)
EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
Robinson is currently being mocked by the following:
Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer), Pro Football Network (Joe Broback), Pro Football Network (Will Helms), CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson), MLive.com (Ben Raven), The Athletic (Dane Brugler)
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Rakestraw is presently being mocked by the following:
Pro Football Focus (Gordon McGuinness)
As McGuinness writes,
“With Ben Johnson returning as offensive coordinator in 2024, it’s clear that the Lions need to focus on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Rakestraw is coming off a season where he allowed just 18 receptions from 277 snaps in coverage and has earned a PFF coverage grade of 78.0 or better in each of the past two seasons."
EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
Robinson is currently being mocked by the following:
The 33rd Team (Ian Valentino), Pro Football Network (Owain Jones), CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso), MLive.com (Kyle Meinke), NFL.com (Lance Zierlein)
As Valentino opines,
"Able to play as an edge rusher or kick inside to an undersized 3-technique tackle, Darius Robinson is a prototypical Detroit Lions player. He has a high motor, developed throughout his career into a well-rounded option and has a tremendous physical profile. He plays with the toughness needed to succeed early, and his versatility will fit right into a defensive front needing a capable body.
Detroit also needs cornerback help, but Robinson's showing in 2023, at the Senior Bowl and the combine, make him a first-round value. There's no reason to reach on a lesser talent if Robinson is available."
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
McKinstry is currently being picked by the following:
Draft Wire (Curt Popejoy), Sports Illustrated (Luke Easterling)
As Easterling pens,
“Injuries and inconsistency plagued the Lions' cornerback group last season, so finding some high-quality reinforcements there should be a top priority this offseason. This year's class is fairly deep at the position, and could give them plenty of talented players to choose from at this spot. McKinstry's combination of size, length and athleticism would make him a fantastic fit, and a solid value here."
