The Detroit Lions have plenty of early capital heading into the April Draft. With four picks in the top 100, the Lions have the potential to trade up to grab a player they want. However, general manager Brad Holmes could choose to return and acquire further picks. In my newest mock draft, I’d like to look at a scenario in which Holmes decides to hoard Day 2 picks in order to get middle-round talent. Here’s a look at what that could entail and how the Lions might use their extra picks.
Round One
Pick 29: TRADE
The Detroit Lions have plenty of early capital heading into the April Draft. With four picks in the top 100, the Lions have the potential to trade up to grab a player they want. However, general manager Brad Holmes could choose to return and acquire further picks. In my newest mock draft, I’d like to look at a scenario in which Holmes decides to hoard Day 2 picks in order to get middle-round talent. Here’s a look at what that could entail and how the Lions might use their extra picks.
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, totaling 1,255 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his last collegiate season. He’s a significant contested catch threat with terrific speed, which might be crucial in Ben Johnson’s scheme. Pick 79: Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State. The Lions require guard depth, since both of their starters may be available during free agency. Even if one or both return, injuries can be a significant role throughout the 17-game NFL regular season.
As a result, McCormick is an ideal fit for the Lions’ top-tier offensive line. He has terrific feet and is strong in the run game, something Detroit values up front. The Lions were forced to rely on Colby Sorsdal and Kayode Awosika to start at various points this season, so adding a consistent player like McCormick would be extremely useful, especially if Detroit retains its seasoned talent. Pick 92: Kris Abrams-Draine, cornerback, Missouri Abrams-Draine is the less well-known of the two Missouri cornerbacks in this year’s draft class. Teammate Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is generating first-round buzz because to his physicality, but Abrams-Draine also had a successful career with the Tigers. The converted wide receiver excels at playing the ball in the air, with seven.
Round Four The Lions do not presently have a fourth-round pick. Round Five Pick 163: AJ Barner, tight end, Michigan. With Sam LaPorta’s outstanding debut season, the Lions have a solid starting lineup at this position. However, the depth in the room remains uncertain, with backup Brock Wright set to be a restricted free agency. Barner, Michigan’s second choice behind future pro Colston Loveland, might provide significant depth for Detroit. The Wolverines used a lot of two-tight end personnel, allowing Barner to showcase his abilities as a receiver and a blocker.
In his final collegiate season, the Indiana transfer caught 22 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown, paving the way for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. He would be a solid second option who could contribute to Detroit’s run-oriented offense. Round Six Pick 207: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford. Karty is one of three top kicking prospects in this year’s draft, alongside Will Reichard and Harrison Mevis. The Stanford product was 51-for-60 in his career, including a long of 61 in his junior season. Karty provides a strong leg that would be useful for Detroit in important moments. Dan Campbell has a tendency to rely on his offense in fourth down situations, but having a reliable long-distance kicker would.
