The Detroit Lions could provide their home fans with some drama at the NFL Draft, according to an insider, who predicts the team would move up in the second round to get a starting wide receiver.
Colton Pouncy of The Athletic anticipated that the Lions would trade back out of the first round, selecting Arizona tackle Jordan Morgan with the 36th overall choice. Pouncy predicted another move later in the round, with the Lions trading up to the No. 53 overall pick to get Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman.
While the deals would leave the Lions without a Day 1 pick and may frustrate supporters in Detroit, where the draft is place, Pouncy projected that it will result in a significant addition to the offense.
“After trading down in the second, the Lions use capital acquired to move up in the second round for a potential impact starter,” Coleman was mentioned by Pouncy.
Keon Coleman Seen as a’realistic’ Day 2 option.
Pouncy stated that the Lions had expressed interest in numerous wide receivers ahead of the NFL Draft, describing Coleman as a “realistic option” who will still be available in their range on Day 2. He said that adding Coleman to the Lions’ already powerful attack “should terrify the division” and make quarterback Jared Goff very happy.
“Coleman is No. 37 on Dane Brugler’s big board, but could be available later in the second round,” Pouncy stated. “While Coleman lacks top-end speed, his in-game speed is more than his 4.61 40 time would indicate. His size, leaping ability, and yards after catch potential make him an appealing candidate in this bracket for a team wanting to develop an X receiver.
Not all analysts expect Coleman will be available beyond Day 1. NFL.com expert Tom Pelissero labeled him one of the best prospects to sneak into the first round, describing him as a late bloomer who remains highly regarded despite some dismal performances at the NFL Combine.
Many were out on Keon Coleman as a prospect after his combine results.
However, simply flip on the tape and you’ll see that Coleman is as dominant of an athlete as you’ll find. pic.twitter.com/mTi47O00bY
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 23, 2024
“One veteran assistant coach said Coleman has some qualities that remind him of another former Seminoles receiver: Anquan Boldin,” stated Pelissero. “A different coach pointed out that Coleman hadn’t even started practicing full-time for football until lately – he played basketball for Michigan State in the spring of 2022 — and hasn’t fully grown physically. Coleman has time to mature into his body, as he turns 21 next month.
Lions Could Target Different Wide Receivers.
Some observers feel the Lions could stay pat and select a receiver with their first-round choice. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that the Lions would select South Carolina wide Xavier Legette with the 29th overall pick on March 19.
Kiper pointed out that the Lions have already addressed their main roster weaknesses through free agency and now have the option of signing the best available player, which might be Legette.
“How good is the Detroit roster? Brad Holmes, general manager, has done an excellent job since being hired in 2021,” Kiper stated. “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.”
