Another quarter of the season has come and gone for the Detroit Lions. Just as they did in the first four weeks, the Lions went 3-1 in Weeks 5-8 and arrived at their bye week with a 6-2 record.
That makes it a good opportunity to produce another edition of the Lions Wire full 2024 mock draft.
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The pick order is based on the current NFL standings and playoff seeding ladder. Detroit would pick 29th in the first round.
The first edition was completed prior to Week 5.
At this point, mock drafts are about ideas and getting more familiar with players who could intrigue the Lions during the 2024 NFL draft in April in Detroit.
First round, No. 29 overall: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Trice would be a potential solution in the quest to find a more complete, higher-end complement to Aidan Hutchinson as a bookend pass rusher. At 6-foot-4 and 274 pounds, he fits the bill of a heavier defensive end-type of edge, but one that can win with either power or quickness. There’s enough bulk and strength to play in the Josh Paschal or John Cominsky roles in the defense at times, too.
2nd round: Xavier Leggette, WR, South Carolina
[Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
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Instant speed in a 6-foot-3, 220-pound package, Legette is a bit of an odd duck of a receiver. He’s blazing fast but is better in contested catch situations over the middle than he is deep down the field on vertical routes. There is wiggle and unexpected subtlety to his route running. Legette would add another dynamic weapon that exudes toughness and passion for the game.
3rd round (two picks)
Vikings pick via trade: Keith Randolph, DT, Illinois
Overshadowed a bit by linemate Jer’Zhan Newton–a potential top-10 pick–Randolph is an impressive defender in his own right. Randolph lines up all over the interior and has the quickness, strength and motor to win anywhere between the 5T and the NT. Explosive off the snap but fairly straight-line as an athlete, the team captain status and always-hot motor figure to appeal to the Lions.
Lions pick: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
This might be too low based on how well Abrams-Draine has perked up his game in 2023. He’s a converted wideout, and it shows in his ball skills and quick route recognition. Abrams-Draine has shown more physicality and confidence in coverage this year. At 180 or so pounds and just under six feet tall, finding whether he plays outside or in the slot is something to be determined.
Day 3 picks
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Fifth round: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
Perhaps the top FCS-level prospect, Amegadjie brings freaky-long arms (over 36″) and improving footwork and balance at tackle. Plays with malice in his hands as a run blocker. He’s out through the draft after recent quad surgery, which likely relegates him to Day 3 status. Lions GM Brad Holmes has shown no aversion to gunning for injury-related draft value.
Sixth round: Christian Mahogany, IOL, Boston College
Mahogany is a seasoned player with considerable starting experience at both guard spots. He has rebounded nicely in 2023 after missing 2022 with an ACL injury. Fast hands, good-not-great footwork, above-average power and impressive overall quickness from a 320-pounder–if that sounds like Jonah Jackson, it should.
Seventh round: Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
Pritchett is lanky but tough as a 6-1 outside CB. His tackling and short-area quickness might make a move to a hybrid slot/free safety role a better fit in the NFL, a la Brian Branch.