Mock Draft Roundup: Lions Fill Major Need at Cornerback
It's time for the first All Lions mock draft roundup for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Over the last week, Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell has become a trendy pick for the Lions at No. 29 overall.
Let’s explore now who the draft analysts have Lions general manager Brad Holmes selecting in the first round.
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Mitchell is currently being picked by the following:
Draftwire (Curt Popejoy), ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.), Pro Football Focus (Trevor Sikkema), CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso)
As Kiper writes,
“(In 2023), the Lions ranked 31st in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.8) and 30th in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,081). Simply put, they have to get better at corner.
Mitchell leveled up this past season, not allowing a single touchdown pass as the nearest defender in coverage, despite being targeted 59 times. He picked off five passes in 2022, but he gave up four scores -- he was much more consistent in 2023, though he had only one interception. I'm excited to see how Mitchell performs at Senior Bowl practices next week.”
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Rakestraw is presently being mocked by the following:
Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer), Sports Illustrated (Luke Easterling)
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
Lassiter is currently being drafted by the following:
CBS Sports (Josh Edwards), DraftKings Network (staff)
As Edwards pens,
“Detroit has been adding building blocks ever since making the Matthew Stafford trade. The Lions will not have Los Angeles' first-round pick for the first time in three years. Kamari Lassiter gives the Lions a player who could be within the organization for a decade rather than the short-term options they have been adding to fill a need recently.”
Cornerback Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins is presently being selected by the following:
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
McKinstry Is currently being picked by the following:
The Draft Network (Justin Melo)
As Melo opines,
“The Lions should continue improving their pass defense, which is arguably their biggest weakness. With the likes of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, and Kindle Vildor playing on expiring contracts, there's a need for general manager Brad Holmes to address the cornerback position early. Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry pairs size with athleticism, leading to a desirable overall make-up.”
EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
Robinson is currently being mocked by the following:
