The Lions suffered another gut-wrenching loss against the Browns yesterday. For the fourth straight season, the Detroit Lions will finish with a losing record. At 0-9-1, they are currently on pace for the first pick, so it’s time for a Detroit Lions Mock Draft.
Round 1 Pick 9 (via ATL): Garrett Wilson, WR – Ohio State
Detroit Lions receive: #9, #42, #63, #73, 2023 ATL 2nd
Atlanta Falcons receive: #1
Surprise!! The Lions do a trade back here with the Falcons and take Garrett Wilson with the 9th pick. It may not be popular but the Lions are lacking in depth and need to gather as much talent as possible. A big struggle for the team this year is not having a WR1. Wilson solves that issue right away with his abilities as a route-runner, great hands, elite athleticism, etc.
Round 1 Pick 27: Devin Lloyd, LB – Utah
Man oh man have the Lions had their fair share of struggles at the LB position over the past few years. Slow, un-athletic players who cannot cover to save their lives, it’s time for that to change. In comes Devin Lloyd, star Linebacker for the Utes who has been outstanding this season. A finalist for the Butkus award, Lloyd has put up some gaudy numbers this year: 6 sacks, 91 tackles, 21 TFL (!!!!), and 3 INT’s. Having him alongside Derrick Barnes in 2022 will be a breath of fresh air in terms of athleticism and coverage ability.
Round 2 Pick 33: David Ojabo, EDGE – Michigan
If you want to talk about someone who has seen their draft stock rise the most, look no further than Ojabo. A non-starter last year, Ojabo has solidified himself as one of the best EDGE rushers in the country. Although he isn’t the best player in run defense, his pass-rush abilities should not be overlooked. The Lions aren’t getting much production from Trey Flowers and Charles Harris is on a one-year deal. Drafting an EDGE player should be high priority and Ojabo fills that void.
Round 2 Pick 42: Kenny Pickett, QB – Pittsburgh
At this point, it feels like anyone is an upgrade over whoever the Lions are trotting out there at QB this year. Pickett comes into a situation where he can start right away. A year ago, Pickett wasn’t even on the radar as a prospect. Now, he has shot up draft boards with his outstanding season and has shown some really nice ability this year. With Wilson coming in and already having a strong OL, Pickett comes in and brings some much-needed excitement at the QB position.
Round 2 Pick 63: Derion Kendrick, CB – Georgia
The Lions have some nice talent in their CB room. The only problem is that they can’t seem to stay healthy, which is an issue. Derion Kendrick ran into some off-field issues at Clemson and transferred to Georgia this past offseason. He has done an outstanding job not only off the field, but on the field. Kendrick had some first round buzz last year but decided to head back to school. Although we won’t see him in Round 1, he goes late in the second and provides instant help at the position.
Round 3 Pick 65: Jaquan Brisker, S – Penn State
Detroit has an issue at the Safety spot opposite of Tracy Walker. Will Harris has not gotten the job done and everyone else is on a one-year contract. Brisker is a versatile, hard-hitting Safety who fits really well with Walker’s skillset. He is excellent in the box and near the slot in pass coverage.
Round 3 Pick 73: Zion Johnson, IOL – Boston College
Detroit has had some shuffling early on in the season, but their OL seems to be set now with Decker back from injury. They clearly lack depth at some spots, especially on the Interior and go with a guy who has experience at both Guard and Tackle. Johnson is a strong lineman at the point of attack, and excels in the run game. With the Lions being a run-heavy team, this is a match made in heaven.
Round 3 Pick 98: Trey McBride, TE – Colorado State
T.J. Hockenson is obviously TE1 on Detroit and Brock Wright has been a pleasant surprise as an outstanding run-blocker. There is still a need for another reliable pass-catcher and in comes Trey McBride. He’s another guy who has seen his stock rise pretty well and he provides exceptional blocking to go along with his receiving skills. Hockenson and McBride? Sign me up.
Round 6 Pick 176: Cory Durden, IDL – NC State
You can never have too many big pass rushers on your DL. Durden transferred to NC State after four years with the Seminoles at Florida State. Not the greatest tackler but he can get to the QB really well and has some nice athletic traits to work with.
Round 6 Pick 180: Steven Gilmore, CB – Marshall
Brother of star CB Stephon Gilmore, Steven is a nice Corner with great athletic traits. He has a track record of locking down opposing players, but he does lack size to be an outside corner in the NFL. Another potential depth piece at CB for the Lions who can play the slot and on the outside.
Round 7 Pick 218: Micah McFadden, LB – Indiana
McFadden is an extremely underrated player in College Football. A solid 4-year player at Indiana, McFadden has done it all from covering opposing players, rushing the passer, etc. He isn’t the most athletic player but he’s extremely smart and knows where to be at all times.
Round 7 Pick 237: Jaylen Hall, WR – Western Michigan
Hall is a solid WR with some good size and speed. His 50/50 ability is really good and would have a real shot at making the team in 2022. Hometown kid who has a high floor could be of real use to a team like the Lions who do not have much to work with in the WR room right now.
That concludes version 1.0 of the Detroit Lions Mock Draft. Be sure to check out all of our other content on the website! To catch the other versions of the Detroit Lions Mock Draft, subscribe on the front page to get all the latest in your email.