Detroit Lions Seven Round Mock Draft 1.0
The Detroit Lions have had a very underwhelming start to the season, being 1-4 at the bye. While the season can still be turned around, there are a lot of lions fans giving up on the season and looking forward to how Brad Holmes can improve the team in the offseason. Plus, it’s always fun to do a mock draft during the dry times of the season like a bye week. The draft order is determined by the current NFL standings and the available players were determined by who NFL mock draft database had the other teams picking.
Pick four (Lions), Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher Alabama
Will Anderson is one of, if not the best player in all of college football. Anderson is an absolute alien of a prospect, it feels like there’s never been an edge product quite like him. In the game against Texas A&M, Anderson had 11 Qb Hurries that all could’ve been sacks if not for holding penalties. This addition would majorly help the Lions as really their only need is defense, and Detroit’s pass rush has been terrible this year. Will Anderson is just the type of prospect that can get the best out of Hutchinson, he and Hutchinson would make an absolutely dominant pass rush.
Pick 13 ( Lions Via Rams) Antonio Johnson, Safety Texas A&M
As they do with every position on defense, the Lions have a huge need for secondary help. Antonio Johnson brings that and more to a defense, he can play in the box and as a slot corner very well. He brings out what we need in this secondary, a guy that can cover when needed, and a guy that can stop the run and tackle well.
Pick 34 (Lions), Henry To’oto’o, Linebacker Alabama
To’oto’o brings exactly what Detroit needs alongside Malcolm Rodriguez, a guy who can cover any position across the middle. While he has some over-pursuit issues he is still a great coverage linebacker, which Detroit lacks at the moment. With him covering across the middle, and Malcolm Rodriguez rushing the passer, they would make a perfect linebacker duo.
Pick 65 (Lions), Tanner McKee, Quarterback Stanford
McKee is having a breakout season at Stanford right now, throwing 1,249 yards and ten touchdowns through only six games. He has mostly faced top teams in the NCAA and has still been putting up those stats. He has the tools to work with but still needs time to develop, so he can sit behind Goff for a year or two and then eventually take over.
Pick 96 (Lions), Jaylon Jones, Cornerback Texas A&M
Jaylon Jones fills one of the last holes on this team as a corner that can play outside alongside Jeff Okudah. Jones has been a really good corner to start the season at A&M, and with his build, he fits perfectly into this defense. He would be a perfect piece to develop in his first season behind Amani Oruwariye, or whoever’s there, and still, be good if needed to come in for an injured player.
Pick 132 (Lions), Keeanu Benton, Defensive lineman Wisconsin
Pick 163 (Lions) Breton Cox Jr., Edge Florida
Pick 176 (Lions), Mekhi Garner, Cornerback LSU
At this point in the draft, Detroit just need to take the best player on the board at positions of need. The big reason all of these players are good for the Lions is that the Lions lack depth at these positions the most. Plus Cox is having a good season at Florida right now, he could be a potential diamond in the rough.