OH! NO WAY THIS IS NOT GOIN TO HAPPENED,ADDING TO THE TRENCHES?

Since the Lions’ season came to an end after the NFC Championship game, I’ve been posting a mock draft every Monday morning on my Twitter/X page (@RussNFLDraft). Detroit essentially wrapped up free agency with another solid addition to the roster by signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year deal.

Outside of QB, RB and TE, I think we’d be happy with just about any position the Lions decided to take in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. My hunch is that they still draft an offensive lineman early in this draft. Getting assurance behind the veteran guards of Glasgow and Zeitler should be important for the Lions. Let’s dive into my mock draft 1.0 and see where the Lions got better for this upcoming season and the future!

1.29: Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

Going with my hunch that the Lions still want to draft another offensive lineman here, and they do so right here by selecting Graham Barton out of Duke. It’s been an odd pre-draft process for Barton; he’s been coming back from an injury and wasn’t able to compete at the Senior Bowl or the Scouting Combine. However, Barton is a versatile offensive lineman who can play anywhere on the offensive line. Despite showing that he’s more than feasible at left tackle, he seems destined to move to the interior.

He’s a strong finisher who plays aggressively and is consistent in just about every single game. If he ends up falling into the Lions lap, I could see them sprinting to take Barton.

2.64: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan

Mock draft simulators are funny and there’s always a handful of players that I don’t see as realistic options for certain spots on the draft board. That can be said about this pick because I don’t really see Kneeland being available this late into the second round. From everything I’ve heard, teams across the league love him and the Lions are certainly one of those teams.

He’s a powerful defensive lineman that will provide a defense alignment versatility. The Lions value defensive linemen that can generate pressure, but they’re also stout against the run. Kneeland falls into that category and he’d be an ideal fit with the Lions blend of talent up front on defense.

3.73: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

It wouldn’t surprise me if the Lions value a wide receiver much earlier than this. For now, I’ll have them selecting one in the 3rd round and for this pick, it’s Devontez Walker from North Carolina. He’s a long receiver who will provide an immediate impact as a vertical threat for an offense. Drops are concerning, but at the Scouting Combine he played under control and flashed consistent hands. Pairing Walker with LaPorta, St. Brown and Williams should lead to solid production for Jared Goff and the Lions offense.

4.132: M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh

With recent news on Cam Sutton, the Lions could certainly look to add another cornerback much earlier in the draft. For now, I’ll wait and see what the final decision is going to be on Sutton. That said, the Lions are looking for a physical press-man cornerback who can help on the perimeter. Devonshire has got almost 33″ arms and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds so jamming receivers and running in their hip pocket shouldn’t be a problem.

With 8 career interceptions at Pitt, there’s plenty to be desired with Devonshire’s ball skills and athleticism. He’s a player that could go much higher than this selection but if he’s available on day three, I could see the Lions having strong interest.

5.164: LaDarius Henderson, IOL, Michigan

Looking for a versatile offensive lineman is never a bad thing. Henderson is viewed as a guard but he’s got experience at tackle. With 35″ arms, there’s potential for him to stay at tackle in the NFL. However, the inconsistencies within his game could get him stuck inside at guard. His anchor gets tested constantly and there are balance concerns for when he’s in pass protection or climbing to the second level.

Even with that, the Lions could remain interested in Henderson’s versatility and depth, but his foot speed and ability to operate in space are big positives for his game.

6.201: Trey Taylor, SAF, Air Force

 

 

Last off-season, the Lions appeared interested in adding talent and depth to the safety position. With Gardner-Johnson and Tracy Walker gone, the Lions could certainly consider drafting a safety much sooner than this. One player they could hold out for in the later rounds is Trey Taylor from Air Force. He had a great day with a 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds and a 37.5″ vertical jump. He’s instinctive, able to play as a single high safety and shows that he can compete at the catch point.

He’ll need to become more consistent as a tackler but I could see the Lions having interest with this selection. Oh, and Taylor is cousins with Ed Reed.

7.249: JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame

Since talking with Bertrand at the Senior Bowl, I’ve viewed him as a player that I think the Lions will fall in love with during the interview process. He’s a smart player and was a versatile chess piece on defense for the Fighting Irish.

Also, he could be someone who could carve out a special teams role early in his career. Keep in mind that the Lions have drafted a linebacker every year in the draft under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. I think it could continue with this pick.