Lamorandier: Lions 2024 Mock Draft 2.0

Lions target best O-line prospect in first round.

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL58) during the NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The initial wave of NFL free agency is over and the Detroit Lions made some notable acquisitions. However, there are still some areas on the roster that could be improved. General manager Brad Holmes still has some available cap space to make a move or two as well.

In saying that, the draft is still wide open for possibilities regarding which way Holmes will choose to go. In this specific mock, I wanted to go best player available mixed with positions of need. After it was all said and done, I would have preferred to grab an EDGE defender at some point, but the value never really matched up at each selection.

Round 1

Pick 29

Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

I think it would be a pleasant surprise if Powers-Johnson falls to pick 29. As more skill positions continue to gain hype, it pushes other “lesser” positions down the board. Yes, the Lions' starting interior line looks to be in great shape, but some youth could definitely be injected into the veteran group.

Make no mistake, there will be a time in the season when Powers-Johnson will be called upon to start due to injury. Long term, Powers-Johnson would help fortify the line while keeping the offensive line’s overall cost reasonable with a rookie contract.

At 6-foot-3, 328 pounds, he has the power and pass-blocking ability that the Lions look for in a lineman. His high character and physical mentality is a big positive as well. Powers-Johnson played center only in 2023, yet played guard and tackle in the two years prior.

Round 2

Pick 61

Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson

The 6-foot-4, 294-pound Orhorhoro is a versatile D-lineman with nice athleticism. His 1.67-second 10-yard split at the combine demonstrates an elite first step. And, the Lions like defensive linemen with inside and outside capabilities. Still, Holmes is known for selecting high-floor type of players who excelled in college, while Orhorhoro could be considered a bit more of a project. His run defense is already solid, but improved pass-rush technique with his movement skills could take his game to the next level.

Much like with Powers-Johnson and the offensive line, defensive tackle is not a position that would be considered an immediate need, but depth and a long-term plan must be addressed.

Round 3

Pick 73

Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

After the Lions lost Josh Reynolds in free agency, it opens the door for more snaps at the X-receiver position. You would assume the opportunity will fall more to Jameson Williams, yet three-receiver sets are basically the base personnel in the NFL.

Walker would be a massive upgrade to Reynolds in the speed department. Putting Walker’s 4.36-second 40-yard dash with Jameson Williams will keep defensive coordinators up at night. On the other hand, Reynolds was a much more polished route runner than Walker, and quarterback Jared Goff seems to be more comfortable with reliability.

One similarity in Walker’s and Reynolds’ game is their ability to use their lanky frame to catch balls away from their body. In the third round, taking a gamble on a high-upside receiver is well worth it.

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez Walker. / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5

Pick 164

Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College

I would have no problem if the Lions took a corner earlier than the fifth round. There is still plenty of veteran talent left in the free agency pool if the right player doesn’t fall to them, though.

Jones picked off five passes in 2023 – tied for most in the FBS for corners. The 6-foot-2 ballhawk also boasted an elite 89.8 PFF coverage grade last season as well. As expected with the previous two stats, his play equated to an 18.1 NFL passer rating allowed. With a 4.44-second forty-yard dash and a 42.5-inch vertical at the NFL Combine, Jones checks a lot of boxes. There are some deficiencies, however. Run support is not a strength – which could be a deal breaker for the Lions coaching staff -- and he is more of a linear athlete with some stiffness in the hips.

Round 6

Pick 201

Trey Taylor, S, Air Force

Taylor is a bigger 213-pound safety with some pop in his pads. He definitely isn’t afraid to hit – which can also lead to some over-aggressiveness. Probably projecting more as a box safety at the next level, that’s not to say he doesn’t have some play-making ability in coverage. In 2023, Taylor had an 88.9 PFF coverage grade and picked off three passes.

The Lions could use both depth at safety while also adding someone who could be a plus on special teams. Taylor, the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award winner for the nation’s top-performing defensive back, combined with outstanding leadership qualities seems like a match made in heaven for the Lions’ culture.

Round 6

Pick 205

AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

With Brock Wright’s status on the Lions up in the air at the moment, it’s very possible the Lions will be looking for a TE2 behind playmaker Sam LaPorta. Barner is 6-foot-6, 251 pounds and is a strong blocker.

He is not going to blow by anybody with his speed, but he still has some decent agility and hands. Fortunately, the Lions just need a reliable pass-catching option who can excel in blocking – the same role that Wright filled on the team in 2023.

Round 7

Pick 249

Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee

Lastly, I have the Lions doubling up on cornerback in this draft with their last pick. Hadden actually has a lot of similar traits to the other corner, Elijah Jones, I had the Lions selecting in the fifth round. Hadden is tall and has a nose for the ball but isn’t great against the run.

Only running around the low 4.5s at his pro day, he is more of a football player than a true athlete. Looking more in the coverage department, his coverage grade in 2023 was top-3 in the class and had a very impressive 24% forced incompletion grade. His 7.0 NFL passer rating allowed last season is comical – the best of anybody in the draft class.