The Lions 2024 Mock Draft Simulation 3.0

Defense remains a primary feature in the most recent simulation.

The Detroit Lions boast one of the league’s most explosive offenses, so there aren’t many needs to fill on that side of the ball early in the NFL Draft.

Though the franchise would benefit from adding depth at all positions, the defensive side of the ball remains a primary priority.

As a result, in my most recent mock draft simulation, I prioritized adding starting-caliber defensive players early in the selection while gathering offensive depth in the latter stages.

Chris Braswell of Alabama was the first pick overall, at No. 29. With many of the best cornerback prospects off the board in this scenario, the Lions select one of the top EDGE rushers in the class who also plays SAM linebacker.

This was a position that James Houston was being groomed for previous to his injury, thus the Lions would add top-tier competition early in the draft.

T’Vondre Sweat was still available in the second round, making him an easy addition to the Lions’ Day 2 roster. Sweat has been a popular pick for the Lions since he impressed at the Senior Bowl.

With two third-round picks, the Lions decided to address both sides of the ball. First up is Florida State cornerback Renardo Green, who is drafted number 73 overall. Green fits in well with the Lions’ defense, having played a lot of press-man coverage with the Seminoles previous season.

With their second round choice, the Lions add Boston College offensive guard Christian Mahogany to their interior depth chart. As Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow prepare to approach free agency, the Lions will benefit from adding depth to their offensive line.

Without a pick in the fourth round and the inability to make trades in this scenario, the Lions return to the podium in the fifth round, selecting Luke McCaffrey.

The Rice graduate is the brother of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey and a converted quarterback who has excelled at wide receiver in recent years. His athletic background, combined with his demonstrated potential to be an offensive playmaker, makes him an intriguing pick on Day 3 of the selection.

The Lions’ final two draft picks are focused on depth. In the sixth round, the Lions choose Stanford kicker Joshua Karty to face Michael Badgley. Karty went 51-for-60 in field-goal attempts during his college career, including a 61-yard kick in 2022.

The Lions selected Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini as their final pick, once again targeting the interior.