ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper has issued his newest mock draft, and in this edition, the Lions are targeting a wide receiver in the first round.
With the 29th overall pick, the Lions selected South Carolina wide receiver Xaxier Legette.
Following free agency, general manager Brad Holmes addressed various areas of need, particularly on defense.
The recent signing of experienced guard Kevin Zeitler addressed the anticipated departure of starting left guard Jonah Jackson, who signed a hefty three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
With team needs met, Holmes and the front office can sign the best player available at No. 29, which might be at wide out.
“How good is the Detroit roster? “Since his hiring in 2021, general manager Brad Holmes has done an outstanding job,” writes Kiper. “He remedied the Lions’ largest offseason hole by trading for unheralded cornerback Carlton Davis, giving him some flexibility here. “I would like to see the Lions add another playmaker for quarterback Jared Goff.”
Based on the reported official visits, the Lions are looking for a big-bodied wideout who can play the “X” position.
“Legette is rising in my rankings after running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and performing well in the other drills at the combine.” While I will dispute with South Carolina for classifying him as 6-foot-3 when he is actually 6-foot-1, I will not hold it against him. He had a terrific 2023 season, totaling 1,255 receiving yards and averaging 17.7 yards per grab. He dominated cornerbacks on crossing routes, lining up both in the slot and outside. This is an opportunity to continue strengthening the Detroit offense.”
