If you’re not familiar with how the Detroit Lions roundup works, each week we collect data from the latest expert mock drafts published over the last seven days and compile them (with links to the original pieces) in one easy-to-access article. In addition to providing Lions fans with the names of prospects being paired with Detroit, we also provide commentary that points to trends, player fits, and overall team philosophy.
The 2024 NFL Draft is just days away and analysts are working around the clock to get their final predictions out into the world. That lends itself to even more mock drafts than usual, even for this time of the year.
In this final installment of our mock draft roundup series, we looked at 46 mock drafts from the past week and noticed two continuing patterns. First, analysts continue to heavily project Detroit to take a prospect on the defensive side of the ball. And second, there still is no consensus on which prospect that may be.
Of the 46 mock drafts, analysts projected 17 different players to the Lions. Just five offensive players were projected to the Lions and by only 11 of the mock drafts. That leaves 12 defensive players being projected to Detroit over 35 mock drafts. Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry remains the most popular projection, as he was connected to the Lions 12 times this past week.
Let’s take one final look.
Wide receivers
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Source: Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports), Dan Pizzuta (33rd Team), Jared Dubin (CBS Sports), Joe Schad (Palm Beach Post)
“The Lions probably have more pressing needs than wide receiver, but the opportunity to pair Mitchell with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams is too intriguing to pass up. That would supercharge this offense even further.” — Dubin
Erik’s Thoughts:
At one point in the offseason, there were as many as five different wide receivers connected to the Lions—Mitchell, Brian Thomas, Keon Coleman, Ladd McConkey, and Tony Franklin. But over the last two weeks, it’s only been Mitchell that has seen his name paired with Detroit.
On paper, Mitchell makes a ton of sense. He’s a natural replacement for Josh Reynolds, can fill the WR-X role the Lions have been missing. His size-speed combination is rare, his athleticism is top-notch, and he is still developing. The downside is that there have been more and more rumors surfacing of late, suggesting his character and drive may not be a fit for Detroit. Is that just smoke from teams looking for him to drop? Or are their legitimate concerns? We will likely find out on Day 1 of the draft.
Offensive linemen
Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Source: Austin Mock (The Athletic), Curt Popejoy (Draft Network)
“Dan Campbell’s offense isn’t going to slack at the offensive line, and Powers-Johnson is someone who can play center down the line but line up at guard in the meantime. The Lions have needs at both positions, so this is a great fit. Keeping the offense operating at a high level is paramount to their success this year. They can plan to build up the defense throughout the rest of the draft.” — Mock
Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
Source: Scott Smith (Buccaneers.com)
“The Lions signed the 34-year-old Kevin Zeitler, who has 182 games worth of wear on his tires, to play left guard after Johan Jackson left in free agency. If Barton makes it here, though, they may see him as an upgrade over and/or a not-too-distant replacement for Zeitler, who is on a one-year deal. Barton also has the ability to play center and might even be able to fill in at tackle if needed, since that was where he predominantly played at Duke.” — Smith
Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia
Source: Dane Brugler (The Athletic), Peter Schrager (NFL.com), Dave Birkett (Free Press)
“Frazier is a former state wrestling champion who’s nasty, versatile and hungry. This is a Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell prospect if there ever was one, with the West Virginia product oozing…
This article was originally published by a www.prideofdetroit.com . Read the Original article here. .