Awful News: Detroit Take Decision To Exchanged Up To 7 Players Due To…
General manager of the Detroit Lions Brad Holmes now has seven selections in total, two of which are in the third round. He’s probably going to work hard to improve the defence in April (April 25–27).
Here is my second seven-round mock draft for the Lions in 2024 without further ado.
Round 1, Pick 13: CB Terrion Arnold of Alabama (via trade with the Las Vegas Raiders)
The Lions move up from the No. 29 overall pick to acquire their first-choice cornerback in the 2024 draft. In order to obtain this pick, I have Holmes trade Detroit’s first-of-two third-round selections (number 73 overall) as well.
Arnold, who spent three seasons as a member of the Crimson Tide before being redshirted in 2021, have the physical attributes necessary to be a top cornerback at the next level.
He had an amazing 2023 stat line: 63 total tackles, including 6.5 for loss, five interceptions, 17 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a sack.
In addition, he gave up a passer rating of just 50.7 in 471 coverage snaps during the previous season. In addition, he had exceptional effectiveness as a run defender, earning a 90.6 run-defense rating from Pro Football Focus.
He received an overall grade of 88.4 from PFF and first-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press for his achievements.
I have no doubt that he would have a significant effect right away in Detroit’s secondary.
Round 2, Western Michigan’s EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Pick 61
Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the local product has witnessed a recent increase in stock (and for good cause).
During his five seasons with the Broncos, the Senior Bowl star was a tenacious, skilled pass-rusher in addition to being a highly successful run defender. Kneeland shown his versatility as an every-down defender and his ability to line up at several spots, including downhill linebacker and EDGE, while he was at Western Michigan.
The 6-foot-3, 275-pound player recorded 57 tackles in his senior year of college at Kalamazoo, including 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Kneeland would, in my opinion, give the Lions a good compliment at EDGE in place of Aidan Hutchinson.
Round 3, Pick 92: Florida State’s Braden Fiske, DT
Fiske is a ferocious, high-motor inside defensive lineman that has captured my attention throughout the mock draft season.
During his undergraduate career, which started at Western Michigan, he demonstrated his effectiveness as a pass-rusher and run-stopper. After taking a redshirt in 2018, he played for the Broncos for four seasons (2019–2022) before moving to Florida State to complete his collegiate career.
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound player recorded 43 total stops, including nine for loss, and six sacks in his one season with the Seminoles.
Fiske and Alim McNeill seem like a fantastic combination for Detroit’s interior defensive line.
Related: The Impact of the Raised Salary Cap on Lions
Pick 162 (WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan) in Round 5
With this selection, the Lions provide their wide outs a much-needed boost in depth.
Johnson may not have an instant impact at the next level, but at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, he seems to have the physical attributes to develop into an NFL-caliber receiver.
His final season with the Wolverines saw him grab 47 receptions for 604 yards and a score.
Johnson may replace fellow former Michigan wide out Donovan Peoples-Jones in Detroit’s lineup in 2024 and go on to become a reliable No. 4 receiver over time. It’s difficult to expect a wide receiver to produce much more than that at this point in the draft.
Round 6, Ethan Driskell, Marshall, Pick 206, Overtime
With this pick, the Lions upgrade their offensive line by adding a great developmental player.
In his last season with the Wolverines, he caught 47 passes for 604 yards and one touchdown.
In 2024, Johnson—a fellow former Michigan wide out—might take Donovan Peoples-Jones’ spot in Detroit’s lineup. Over time, Johnson should develop into a dependable No. 4 receiver. At this stage of the draft, it’s hard to anticipate a wide receiver to do much better than that.
Round 6: Marshall, Pick 206, Ethan Driskell, Overtime
The Lions gain a fantastic developmental talent on their offensive line with this selection.
Pick 246 in Round 7: TE Erick All, Iowa
Sam LaPorta, a rookie sensation in 2023 and a Pro Bowler, leaves the Lions with a lot of uncertainty at tight end.
The main backup at the position from the previous year, Brock Wright, ended the 23 season on injured reserve and will be a restricted free agent this summer. In contrast, James Mitchell, a fellow reserve tight end who was a second-year player the previous season, caught just two passes for 28 yards in his second NFL season.
Additionally, due to their individual contract statuses, tight ends Shane Zylstra, Anthony Firkser, and Zach Ertz are not guaranteed a spot on the team next season.