Lions Mock Draft Simulation 4.0

Could the Lions wait to draft a cornerback?

The Detroit Lions can go a multitude of directions in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

After making a run to the NFC Championship, Lions general manager Brad Holmes now has an opportunity to add the necessary pieces to help the team finish the job and hoist a Lombardi Trophy in the near future. 

The NFL Draft will offer the Lions a chance to continue stockpiling young talent. The production they got from their 2023 rookie class was elite, and another crop of young talent is exactly what the team needs. 

With the Draft two months away, I took another stab at predicting where Holmes and company will go when they are on the clock. Utilizing Pro Football Focus' Mock Draft Simulator, I once again made predictions for each of the Lions' picks over seven rounds. 

In the first round, West Virginia center Zach Frazier was the selection. Frazier has the ability to slide to guard, which will be needed if the Lions elect not to retain either Jonah Jackson or Graham Glasgow. 

Frazier is a mauler in the run game, which is exactly what Detroit looks for in its linemen. Adding a physical blocker to its run-oriented offense is the perfect ingredient. 

With Detroit's second-round selection, one of the best EDGE prospects was still on the board. Bralen Trice would be a solid running mate for standout Aidan Hutchinson, so he was an easy selection at No. 61 overall. 

In the third round, the Lions target help for their interior on both sides of the ball. First, Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus was the pick at No. 73 overall. The run-stuffer had 27 career tackles for loss with the Ducks, and would be a nice piece on the defensive interior. 

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With Detroit's second pick of the round, I went with South Dakota State offensive guard Mason McCormick. Even with the Frazier pick in the first round, depth is still a necessity. McCormick still needs some polish, but would be a good depth piece. 

With all the help for the interior, the secondary didn't get addressed early. As a result, Day 3 was dedicated to finding help for the skill positions. 

First up was Tennessee's Kamal Hadden with Detroit's fifth-round pick. Hadden began his career at Independence Community College before transferring to Tennessee. 

With the Volunteers, he began as a rotational player before developing into a shutdown corner. His development is very intriguing, and he could wind up being a steal later in the Draft, given how much he grew over three years with the Vols. 

In the sixth round, the Lions found receiver depth in the form of Georgia's Dominic Lovett. After beginning his career with Missouri, Lovett transferred to Georgia and had 54 catches for 613 yards. 

With Detroit's final pick, it adds another cornerback in Tulane's Jarius Monroe. 

Results generated from a Pro Football Focus Mock Draft simulation