The Detroit Lions are drafting later than ever before in the NFL draft, and it’s unclear what Brad Holmes will do. But I’m contractually compelled to throw a dart at that board, so here is another great opportunity to look dumb on the internet. Awesome.
Mock drafts are always incorrect, and this one will be too. I do not claim to know what the Lions will do at No. 29. But, having spent practically every day of this government in Allen Park, I am familiar with their thinking and drafting process. This is my appraisal of their choices and how they might navigate a wide-open opening night of the NFL Draft.
Lions target best O-line prospect in first round.
The initial wave of NFL free agency is over, and the Detroit Lions have made some notable signings. However, there are still several aspects of the roster that may be improved. Brad Holmes, the general manager, still has some cap room available to make a few moves.
Having said that, the draft remains wide open as to the direction Holmes will take. In this particular mock, I wanted to go with the best player available combined with positions in need. After everything was said and done, I would have wanted to draft an EDGE defender at some point, but the value never quite matched up at each pick.
Round 1.
Pick 29
Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL from Oregon
I believe it would be a pleasant surprise if Powers-Johnson slips to selection 29. As more skilled occupations gain popularity, other “lesser” positions fall further down the rankings. Yes, the Lions’ starting interior line appears to be in excellent health, but some youngster could certainly be introduced into the senior group.
Make no mistake: Powers-Johnson will be called upon to start at some point this season due to injuries. Long term, Powers-Johnson would aid to strengthen the offensive line while keeping the overall cost of the offensive line low due to his rookie deal.
At 6-foot-3, 328 pounds, he possesses the power and pass-blocking abilities that the Lions seek in a lineman. His strong personality and physicality are also significant assets. Powers-Johnson only played center in 2023, after playing guard and tackle the previous two years.
Round 2
Pick 61
Ruke Orhorhoro (DL, Clemson)
Orhorhoro, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 294 pounds, is a dynamic defensive lineman with impressive athleticism. His 1.67-second 10-yard split at the combine indicates an exceptional first step. And the Lions like defensive linemen who can play both inside and outside. Still, Holmes is known for drafting high-floor guys who succeeded in college, whereas Orhorhoro may be regarded a bit of a project. His run defense is already strong, but better pass-rush technique combined with his movement talents should elevate his game to new heights.
Similar to Powers-Johnson and the offensive line, defensive tackle is not an immediate need, but depth and a long-term strategy must be addressed.
Round 3
Pick 73
Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
After losing Josh Reynolds to free agency, the Lions now have additional opportunities at the X-receiver position. You’d expect Jameson Williams to have more opportunities, but three-receiver sets are the norm in the NFL.
Walker would be a significant speed increase over Reynolds. Putting Walker’s 4.36-second 40-yard dash alongside Jameson Williams will keep defensive coordinators up at night. Reynolds, on the other hand, was a far better route runner than Walker, and quarterback Jared Goff appears to be more at ease with consistency.
Walker and Reynolds’ games have one thing in common: they both use their lanky frames to collect balls away from their bodies. In the third round, taking a chance on a high-potential receiver is well worth it.
Round 5
Pick 164
Elijah Jones, cornerback, Boston College
I wouldn’t mind if the Lions took a corner earlier than the sixth round. However, if the ideal player does not fall to them, there is still plenty of veteran quality available in free agency.
Jones intercepted five passes in 2023, tying for the highest in the FBS among corners. Last season, the 6-foot-2 ballhawk had an exceptional PFF coverage grade of 89.8. As projected from the preceding two metrics, his performance resulted in an 18.1 NFL passing rating allowed. At the NFL Combine, Jones ran a 4.44-second forty-yard sprint and a 42.5-inch vertical, checking a lot of boxes. There are several shortcomings, though. Run support is not a strength, which could be a deal-breaker for the Lions coaching staff, and he is a linear athlete with some hip stiffness.
Round 6
Pick 201
Trey Taylor, S. Air Force
Taylor is a heavier 213-pound safety with considerable pop in his pads. He isn’t scared to hit, which can lead to overaggressive behavior. Although he is likely to project as a box safety at the next level, that does not mean he lacks playmaking skills in covering. In 2023, Taylor had an 88.9 PFF coverage grade and intercepted three passes.
The Lions could use more depth at safety while also adding someone who could help on special teams. Taylor, the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award winner for the nation’s top-performing defensive back, and his strong leadership characteristics appear to be a perfect fit for the Lions culture.
Round 6
Pick 205
AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
With Brock Wright’s future with the Lions uncertain, the Lions may be seeking for a TE2 to back up playmaker Sam LaPorta. Barner stands 6-foot-6, weighs 251 pounds, and is a stout blocker.
He isn’t going to blow anyone away with his speed, but he does have decent agility and hands. Fortunately, the Lions only require a dependable pass-catcher who excels at blocking – the same role Wright played on the club in 2023.
Round 7
Pick 249
Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
Finally, I believe the Lions will use their final pick in this draft to double up on cornerbacks. Hadden shares many characteristics with the other cornerback, Elijah Jones, whom I projected the Lions would take in the fifth round. Hadden is tall and possesses a keen sense of the ball, but he struggles against the run.
He only ran in the low 4.5s at his pro day, making him more of a football player than a true athlete. In terms of coverage, his 2023 grade was in the top three in the class, with a very impressive 24% forced incompletion. His 7.0 NFL passer rating allowed last season is ridiculous – the best of anyone in the draft class.
