Todd McShay Latest Mock Draft Has Lions Targeting Two Iowa Prospects

Todd McShay has released his latest NFL mock draft.

The Detroit Lions have the ability this year to go in a variety of different directions in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

After free agency, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes can allow the draft to come to him, instead of being forced to pick players to fill positional needs. 

While the team still has obvious needs at wide receiver, tight end, guard and linebacker, the ability to draft for the future will give Detroit's front office a distinct advantage this year. 

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay released his latest mock draft, and this edition is a two-round mock. 

With the No. 6 overall pick, the Lions added defensive end Tyree Wilson, despite considering targeting a defensive back.  

"This pick has to be defense," writes McShay. "Detroit was miserable in that department last season, and it was the reason it came up short in the playoff hunt. The Lions were bottom-three in yards allowed per rush (5.2), yards allowed per pass attempt (7.9), opponent QBR (56.0) and third-down defense (45.1%). Adding Wilson to a young edge-rushing contingent that already includes Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston could create real conflict for opponent pass-protectors, though. He had seven sacks in 2022 for a second straight year, and his arm length and pure power jump out on tape."

With the second of two first-round picks, Detroit adds to its running backs room by targeting running back Bijan Robinson. 

"Fans will question just about any landing spot for Robinson because of his position, but consider how heavily the Lions lean on the run and what Robinson can do for an offense. We're talking about a top-five talent in this class who can break free with burst through the hole, make defenders miss with his strength and haul in passes with his reliable hands," McShay explains. "Jamaal Williams is gone to New Orleans, and D'Andre Swift has struggled to stay healthy and is entering the final year of his contract. Yes, Detroit signed David Montgomery, but he has rushed for 100-plus yards just three times over the past two seasons. Robinson only had three games under 100 rushing yards last year."

With pick No. 48 in the second round, the Lions address their obvious need at linebacker with Iowa's Jack Campbell. 

Among the biggest debates being waged online among Lions supporters is whether or not the team should target a tight end in this year's draft. 

McShay has the team selecting Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta with pick No. 55

"Yup, another tight end. LaPorta makes it six in the first two rounds, which would tie the common draft era record set in 1974. But, this class is that good," McShay opines. "LaPorta was consistent at Iowa, catching 153 passes over four seasons for 1,786 yards and five scores. He has speed down the seam and tempos his routes effectively. LaPorta could step in for T.J. Hockenson, who was traded to Minnesota at the deadline last season."