Lions Trade Down in Latest Mock Draft
The Detroit Lions are armed with plenty of early capital heading into April's Draft.
With four picks inside the first 100, the Lions are armed with the ability to make a move up to get a player of their liking. However, general manager Brad Holmes could also elect to move back and collect more picks.
In my latest mock draft, I want to explore the situation in which Holmes elects to stockpile Day 2 picks in an effort to secure middle-round talent. Here's a look at what that could entail, and how the Lions could use their extra picks.
Round One
Pick 29: TRADE
Lions trade No. 29 overall pick to Atlanta Falcons for No. 43 and No. 79 overall picks.
In this scenario, I have the Falcons selecting wide receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 8 overall pick. Seeing their need at quarterback with Oregon's Bo Nix still on the board, they move back into the first round to acquire Nix with the fifth-year option being in play.
As a result, the Falcons move up to pick their quarterback of the future while Detroit adds valuable Day 2 capital.
Round Two
Pick 43: Brayden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Fiske was one of the biggest winners at the Combine in Indianapolis, showcasing plenty of athleticism in his on-field testing opportunities.
He had an exceptional run at Western Michigan, then proved that his talent was sustainable in his final collegiate season at Florida State. Fiske has game-wrecker potential on the inside as both a run defender and pass-rusher.
He's athletic and can play multiple spots on the interior, making him an appealing addition to Detroit's front seven.
Pick 61: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Trice didn't wow scouts with his performance at the Combine, which has led his stock to dip slightly. He could still find his way into the first round or early second given the value of edge rushers, but his shorter arms and lack of rush counters keep him below the top-tier of rushers.
Still, he would be excellent value at this pick, and the Lions could benefit from taking a chance on him. Detroit has a need for a player who can make an impact opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and Trice's relentless motor is a good fit for Detroit's defense.
He'll need to fine-tune some of his technique, but there's plenty to like about his natural ability.
Round Three
Pick 73: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
The Lions met with Legette along with multiple other big-bodied receivers at the NFL Combine. With Amon-Ra St. Brown manning the slot and Jameson Williams providing the speed, a wideout with a big frame is what the offense is lacking.
Legette fits that bill, measuring at 6-foot-1 with 219 pounds while running a sub 4.4 40-yard dash at the Combine. He wasn't always a focal point of the Gamecocks' offense in college, though, as he had just 42 career catches in four seasons before 2023.
He saved his best for last, notching 1,255 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his final collegiate campaign. He's a major contested catch threat with good speed, which could be difference-making in Ben Johnson's offense.
Pick 79: Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State
The Lions need guard depth with both of their starters potentially hitting free agency. Even if one or both return, injuries can play a major factor over the course of the 17-game NFL regular season.
As a result, McCormick is a nice plug-and-play piece for the Lions' elite offensive line. He has good feet and is powerful in the run game, qualities that Detroit covets up front.
The Lions were forced to rely on Colby Sorsdal and Kayode Awosika to start at numerous points within the season, so adding a reliable player like McCormick would be very beneficial even if Detroit retains its veteran talent.
Pick 92: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
Abrams-Draine is the lesser-heralded of two Missouri cornerbacks in this year's Draft class. Teammate Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is drawing first-round buzz for his physicality, but Abrams-Draine also enjoyed a solid career with the Tigers.
The converted wide receiver is excellent at playing the ball in the air, with seven career interceptions. He had four in his final season, and had an 89.9 Pro Football Focus coverage grade.
He's not afraid to use his body in the run game, either. He collected 138 tackles in his career along with his production in coverage.
Round Four
The Lions do not currently have a fourth round selection
Round Five
Pick 163: AJ Barner, TE, Michigan
With Sam LaPorta having an elite rookie campaign, the Lions are set in terms of starters at this position. However, the depth in the room still has questions with backup Brock Wright set to be a restricted free agent.
Detroit could add valuable depth in the form of Barner, who was the second option at Michigan behind future pro Colston Loveland. The Wolverines deployed plenty of two-tight end personnel, allowing Barner to show off his skill as both a receiver and a blocker.
The Indiana transfer caught 22 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown in his final collegiate campaign, while helping to pave run lanes for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. He would be a good second option capable of contributing in Detroit's run-oriented attack.
Round Six
Pick 207: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
Karty is one of three kicking top kicking options in this year's Draft, along with Will Reichard and Harrison Mevis.
The Stanford product went 51-for-60 in his career with a long of 61 coming in his junior season. Karty brings a big leg that would be an asset for Detroit in critical situations.
Dan Campbell has an affinity for trusting his offense in fourth down situations, but adding a reliable long-distance kicker would give the team more options in clutch moments.
Round Seven
Pick 247: Kingsley Eguakun, C, Florida
With Frank Ragnow gutting through several injuries last season, Detroit uses its final Draft pick to provide insurance for the veteran center.
Ragnow has played at an All-Pro level when healthy, but is dealing with a chronic toe injury among other ailments. By drafting Eguakun, the Lions would add another another interior line option as well as a true center if injuries necessitate a replacement for Ragnow.
