Breaking: Lions focus solely on one side of the ball in a recent mock draft
With only one game left until the official end of the 2023 NFL season, most teams are completely into offseason mode.
That includes the Detroit Lions, whose supporters are now focused on free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
To prepare all 32 fan bases for the impending draft, I produced my first two-round mock draft of the cycle, with the Lions securing two potential starters.
Round 1, Pick 29: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
“The Lions came so close to reaching the promised land this year after losing to the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. One of the areas that they have to improve for next season is their secondary, which allowed too many big plays in the playoffs. A CB I like for them is Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who may be flying under the radar in the NFL Draft world because of his recent injury, but his talent is undeniable. If the Lions can land a CB prospect with legit potential of becoming their top CB in the future this late in the first, they should pounce.”
The Lions had a strong draft last year, and two offensive players stick out: RB Jahmyr Gibbs and TE Sam LaPorta. This year, I believe they should focus on the opposite side of the ball. With their first pick, I believe they will select Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Rakestraw Jr was supposed to play in the Senior Bowl, but an injury kept him out, which could work in the Lions’ advantage. Some believe he may have established himself as a top-20 pick if he had been able to attend and visit with teams in Mobile. However, in my mock, one of the best cornerbacks in this class falls into the Lions’ lap at 29, and I believe they will take advantage.
Round 2, Pick 61: DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke
“In the second round, I have the Lions turning to interior defensive lineman DeWayne Carter out of Duke. Carter is coming off a successful week in Mobile, Alabama, at the Senior Bowl, where he turned multiple people’s heads as he was impactful in both the pass and run game during practice. He has a solid balance of strength and speed on the interior that will cause some interior offense lineman trouble at the next level, which would be perfect for Detroit.”
I believe the Lions will double up on defense by selecting DeWayne Carter from Duke with their second pick. Carter had a tremendous Senior Bowl week, demonstrating his inner strength and speed. Carter would strengthen the Lions’ run game and provide a high-potential pass rusher at DT, freeing up space for a player like Aidan Hutchinson off the edge.
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