Jeremiah: Time Is Now for Lions to Be Aggressive in Draft

Jeremiah says Lions have opportunity to be aggressive in NFL Draft.

Dec 26, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; Rice Owls wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (10) runs with the ball. / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions fans are expected to wait late into the night for general manager Brad Holmes' first pick on April 25.

The Lions currently sit at the 29th overall pick in the first round, marking the latest first selection in Holmes' tenure as general manager. Many of the Draft's premium talents are expected to be off the board by the time Detroit is on the clock.

However, Holmes has shown little hesitation in the past to move up and add talent. In 2022, he traded up from No. 32 to No. 12 to land wide receiver Jameson Williams. As a result, it wouldn't be a shock if Holmes elected to make a move.

Given Detroit's status as a contender, they could very well see a window to trade up as they look to maximize the talent on the roster ahead of a pivotal campaign. NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said the Lions are among the teams who could move up to land a top-tier talent.

"Yeah, I wouldn't rule that out. They've got some age on the offensive line, so if there's a guy they feel like they love, to go up there and get one wouldn't shock me at all," Jeremiah explained. "Corner is a position they continue to look at, they've done a lot of homework on the corner class in talking some to agents over the last week. So yeah, I think if one of those top corners start to drift a little bit, they could go up there and do that as well. They are knocking on the door, they are right on the cusp of being a championship team. So if there's a time to be aggressive, this would be it."

Wide receiver targets

With Josh Reynolds gone and Jameson Williams unproven, the Lions have some needs at the wide receiver position.

Reynolds played a unique role for the Lions offense, having got reps at both the 'X' and 'Z' positions out wide. Though not particularly imposing from a physical perspective, he had a versatile skill set that allowed him to be a big part of the offense.

Jeremiah offered three potential prospects who could be mid-round solutions should the Lions target other positions early.

"Ja'Lynn Polk would be one, from Washington, who can do that as someone who gives you some physicality and some toughness," Jeremiah explained. "That would be one who could fit that role. Brendan Rice would be another one I could see filling that position. Those two come right to the top of my head."

Jeremiah picked a pair of wideouts with intriguing backstories. Rice is the son of NFL Hall of Fame wideout Jerry Rice. The analyst also suggested Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, brother of Christian, as a potential pick.

"Also, I'm intrigued to see where Luke McCaffrey's gonna go. I think he's a fascinating one who hasn't been at the position very long who just makes a lot of plays, still developing and growing, obviously the gene pool's outstanding," Jeremiah explained. "But I thought he got better as the season went along and I thought he was excellent at the Senior Bowl, culminating in a really good Senior Bowl game. That's another one that I think would be a really interesting fit there."

Best O-line fit

The Lions added a temporary solution to their offensive line by signing veteran Kevin Zeitler to a one-year contract. Still, the team could benefit from adding young depth.

They've been linked to a trio of top interior offensive line prospects throughout the offseason. Graham Barton, Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier all offer unique styles of play and strengths, but each would be a good add for the Lions.

Jeremiah offered his input, suggesting that Frazier was the best fit for the organization amongst the three based on his tenacity.

"Ironically, I would have it -- Graham Barton, Jackson Powers-Johnson then Zach Frazier. If you ask me who the Lion is in that group, I would say the third one," Jeremiah said. "I would say Frazier. The four-time state champ wrestler, the guy that just has a tenacity to him and a physicality to and through the whistle. He kind of fits their style. I think he's worthy of being taken there at the bottom of the first round, I have no problem with that at all."