Lions' Mock Draft Roundup: Popular DE Emerges in Latest Projections

Chop Robinson among favorites in recent mocks for Lions.

Defensive end Chop Robinson runs through the three-cone drill during Penn State's Pro Day. / Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

It's time for the ninth All Lions mock draft roundup for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Over the last week, a myriad of cornerbacks have become trendy selections for the Lions at No. 29 overall.

Let’s take a look now at who the draft pundits have Lions general manager Brad Holmes picking in the first round.

Cornerback Mike Sainristil, Michigan

Sainristil is presently being selected by the following:

The 33rd Team (Marcus Mosher)

As Mosher writes, “The Detroit Lions just lost their starting slot cornerback after releasing Cameron Sutton following an arrest warrant.

Mike Sainristil is the best nickel cornerback in the class, and his supreme athleticism should allow him to immediately become an impact player.”

Cornerback Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Wiggins is currently being projected by the following:

Pro Football Network (AJ Schulte)

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive back Nate Wiggins (DB42) talks to the media / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Mitchell is presently being picked by the following:

Pro Football Network (Keff Ciardello)

Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

Rakestraw is currently being picked by the following:

The Draft Network (Jamie Eisner), Pro Football Network (Adam Caplan)

EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri

Robinson is currently being mocked by the following:

NFL.com (Chad Reuter), CBS Sports (Pete Prisco)

Wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Georgia 

McConkey is presently being mocked by the following: 

CBS Sports (Chris Trapasso)

Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) runs a drill during Georgia football's Pro Day in Athens, / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Offensive tackle Graham Barton, Duke

Barton is presently being projected by the following: 

CBS Sports (Kyle Stackpole) 

EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State

Robinson is currently being mocked by the following: 

ESPN (Matt Miller), NFL.com (Bucky Brooks), Pro Football Network (Tony Catalina), Pro Football Network (Will Helms), Pro Football Network (Josiah Caswell), CBS Sports (Tom Fornelli), CBS Sports (Josh Edwards), Tankathon

As Caswell writes, “The Lions will focus on improving their defense this season. While cornerback was their most significant need, they made moves in free agency to fill those shoes. Additionally, all of the top options are off the board in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

That leaves pass rusher as Detroit’s next biggest need. They need another presence alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

Chop Robinson is the best pure pass rusher in this draft and would immediately improve the Lions’ pass rush. He does, however, need to improve in run defense.”

Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

McKinstry is currently being picked by the following:

Pro Football Focus (Brad Spielberger), Pro Football Network (Dallas Robinson), Pro Football Network (Joe Broback)

As Broback pens, “This is one of the best-case scenarios for the Detroit Lions in the draft. Kool-Aid McKinstry has the potential to go in the top 10, but this cornerback class is highly volatile. This class has good depth, but there is no clear favorite, meaning someone will fall.

Fortunately for Detroit, it benefits from McKinstry’s slide in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. The Lions need an upgrade in talent at multiple positions, and they get a potential lockdown corner with the former Crimson Tide star.”