Lions' Offensive Line Remains Priority in Latest Mock Draft

Latest mock draft sees Lions draft Duke offensive lineman.

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton. / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions have had an aggressive offseason during the free agency portion.

General manager Brad Holmes addressed a number of needs with veteran pickups, giving the Lions an established pool of veterans in addition to their returning young talent. As a result, the team is in a position to compete for a title in 2024.

However, the organization can strengthen its case by acing the upcoming Draft. Here's my latest projection at where the Lions could go when April 25 rolls around.

Round 1

Pick 29

Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

The Lions addressed the loss of Jonah Jackson by signing veteran Kevin Zeitler to a one-year contract. However, the Lions could add more stability to one of the league’s best units by drafting a talented player in the Draft. 

Holmes largely drafts for best player available as opposed to positional need, but Barton is one of the top players potentially available at the No. 29 overall selection. He has versatility in his game with the ability to play all along the offensive line. 

In this situation, Barton would be able to develop behind Zeitler and Graham Glasgow while offering the team ready-made insurance in the event of an injury. 

Round 2

Pick 61

Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

With the loss of Josh Reynolds, the Lions have a missing piece in their passing attack. With a deep crop of wide receivers, the second round feels like the perfect time to address this need. 

Legette has risen throughout the Draft process for his ability to accelerate in and out of routes while also being able to rise up and win in contested catch situations. 

He’s a big-bodied wideout who also can run, as evidenced by his sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the Combine. Even though he still needs some fine-tuning, Legette could be a perfect fit in a corps that features Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. 

Round 3

Pick 73

Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

Missouri’s defense features plenty of talented options in this year’s Draft, including two corners. Ennis Rakestraw is viewed as the higher prospect, but Abrams-Draine has rightfully earned some shine throughout his college career.

Abrams-Draine began his time at Mizzou as a wide receiver before transitioning to his natural position of cornerback. He logged seven interceptions in his career while also being a physical force in the run game. 

The defender would be a nice young addition to a revamped cornerback room, which may not be as big of a need after the moves to acquire starting-caliber players in Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson. 

Round 4

The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection

Round 5

Pick 164

Tyler Davis, DL, Clemson

As the clock turns to Day Three, the Lions would benefit from adding depth in certain areas. For starters, Davis makes sense as a depth piece to add to a competitive defensive line room. 

The Lions are still looking to see what they have in Brodric Martin and Levi Onwuzurike, the latter of which is in a contract year. While Martin will likely have the chance to prove himself in 2024, Detroit would benefit from adding competition to the group. 

A capable replacement could also give Alim McNeill more rest, which would help the Lions over the course of a lengthy regular season. 

Round 6

Pick 201

Nelson Ceasar, EDGE, Houston

Ceasar made the most of his one season playing at the Power Five level. After Houston was in the AAC in his first two NFL seasons, he burst onto the scene as the Cougars made the move to the Big 12. 

In 2023, Ceasar logged 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. He projects as a pass-rush specialist at the NFL level, which will hinder his stack a bit as teams acquire more well-rounded prospects early. 

However, the Houston product has potential to develop into a nice piece as a pro in 2024. 

Pick 205

A.J. Barner, TE, Michigan

The Lions are in danger of losing one of their backup tight ends in Brock Wright, who was a big part of the team’s run game. Should Wright depart, Detroit would be wise to add competition to a room that features James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra as backups to Sam LaPorta. 

Barner comes to the NFL after one year at Michigan, where he was featured as part of the Wolverines’ many two-tight end sets in their run-oriented attack. With the Lions’ affinity for running the ball, this could be a natural fit. 

Round 7

Pick 249

Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State

Proctor’s college career began in 2018, and over six seasons he continued to improve for the Buckeyes. Ohio State had other pros in the secondary during this time, but he was finally able to shine in 2024. 

He finished his career with three interceptions, and showed a knack for defending the run in his final season with four tackles for loss. After the Lions lost Ceedy Duce and Tracy Walker, a depth addition would be helpful in the later rounds.