We are less than one week away from the 2024 NFL Draft, which means it’s time for yet another mock for the Detroit Lions. This time around we’re going the distance with a seven-rounder that has the Lions addressing several key needs.
Detroit has a grand total of seven selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, with at least one in every round but the third, which the Lions traded away in the Carlton Davis deal. Detroit does have a pair of selections in the sixth round.
Let’s not waste any more time and see what we came up with using the Pro Football Network mock draft simulator. To keep things 100, only one attempt was made for this mock.
Round 1, Pick 29: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
The Lions don’t necessarily need a wide receiver this early, but Mitchell falling into their lap at the end of the first is too good to pass up. He offers a long-term solution on the outside with deep-threat ability and should be able to make an impact in Year 1, which is important for a win-now team.
Round 2, Pick 61: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Detroit needs more competition at cornerback opposite Carlton Davis. Even if Rakestraw doesn’t win the job over Emmanuel Moseley and Amik Robertson right away, he will provide depth and should develop into a starter by Year 2.
Round 3, Pick 73: EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
The Lions need to add another edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, even after the signing of Marcus Davenport. Kneeland can rush the passer and is an elite run defender who offers versatility with his ability to play with his hand in the dirt and standing up.
Round 5, Pick 164: DL Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa
The interior of the Lions’ defensive line has a few long-term question marks. Alim McNeill is scheduled to be a free agent after this season and D.J. Reader, who also has injury concerns, is only on a two-year deal. Boyd provides depth in Year 1 and could be an answer for the long haul.
Round 6, Pick 201: S Mark Perry, TCU
The Lions need depth at safety behind starters Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Joseph is recovering from offseason hip surgery that will keep him sidelined until training camp and Melifonwu doesn’t have much starting experience and an injury history. Perry will need development but has the kind of athleticism (9.59 Relative Athletic Score) to develop into a plus backup, at worst.
Round 6, Pick 205: OT Caedan Wallace, Penn State
Wallace is one of the best late-round options when it comes to the potential to develop into a starter, although his best fit may be at guard rather than tackle, which would actually be ideal for Detroit based on what the team needs. Wallace has some holes as a run-blocker but has displayed more than enough in pass protection to get excited about.
Round 7, Pick 249: OG Jacob Monk, Duke
The Lions grab another offensive lineman here. Monk has plus power and athleticism and could factor in at either guard or center. He has a high football IQ and leadership qualities as a two-time captain at Duke. It isn’t outlandish to think Monk can break the mold and develop into a starter at some point.
Final thoughts
My only regret in this mock is the fact that I didn’t address the offensive line sooner, but I just couldn’t pass up on the players who were available in the previous spots. That said, Monk and Wallace have the tools necessary to develop into starters down the line.
Other than that concern, the Lions address some of their most immediate needs in this mock ahead of what will be a crucial season for the franchise in 2024.