The NFL Scouting Combine has shaken things up just in time for another Mock Draft Monday.
Every mock draft so far has had some sort of unique twist, this time we kept things simple. After the scouting combine there is so much information to absorb and process. It makes mock drafting difficult enough without any added curveballs.
Now, a simple mock draft means seven rounds for the Detroit Lions. Seven rounds of picks are projected to come from the award-winning front office led by Brad Holmes. Kicking things off in this mock is getting Aidan Hutchison a much-needed duo on the opposite edge…
First Round, Pick 29
Selection: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
The edge defenders dominated the combine, as well as the offensive line and receivers, but one tested in the top tier and he may be available at 29. Chop Robinson wasn’t a production machine at Penn State but he was a wrecking ball of chaos. Him opposite Aidan Hutchison gives the Lions a young one-two punch for the next decade in Detroit while they keep each other away from double teams to produce.
Second Round, Pick 61
Selection: Christian Haynes, Offensive Lineman, Connecticut
A name we have seen mocked a couple of times to the Lions, Haynes is the first of two starting guards we have them drafting. Haynes tested very well at the combine for his size and has positional versatility to be a guard for the time being but could bump inside to center when Frank Ragnow decides t hang it up.
Third Round, Pick 73
Selection: Kamren Kitchens, Safety, Miami (FL)
A second new face for the mock draft fans, Kamren Kitchens is a fun player. The Miami safety provides excellent run support while also having a knack for making plays against the passing game. If the team does lose C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Kitchens is the man to replace him.
Third Round, Pick 92
Selection: Dominick Puni, Offensive Line, Kansas
Death, taxes, and Dominick Puni making an appearance in Mock Draft Monday. Puni is just an easy plug-and-play piece for the Lions at guard with the ability to step out to tackle if needed in a pinch. Puni has Pro Bowl potential as a guard so look for this pick to be made more as we approach the draft.
Round Five, Pick 163
Selection: Jaheim Bell, Tight End, Florida State
Jaheim Bell and his role in the NFL has yet to be determined. What the film shows is someone who can be productive no matter where he lines up. He played mostly tight end but did dabble in an H-back role as well. He could be a fun piece for Ben Johnson to scheme with, especially in the redzone.
Round Six, Pick 207
Selection: Trey Taylor, Safety, Air Force
Trey Taylor is definitely a project who can provide significant value on special teams to start his career. He has issues moving and adjusting to ball carriers who are twitchy but he has tremendous instincts for the ball and processing plays. He could be a smart piece on the defense regardless of role while being a star on special teams.
Round Seven, Pick 247
Selection: Delmar Glaze, Offensive Line, Maryland
Delmar Glaze was listed as a tackle after playing it his whole career at Maryland. After the combine, however, he may be moving inside. Glaze under up being measured as undersized for what you expect from NFL tackles but he has solid film behind him. Taking him this late allows you to let him test out tackle but make him a project to move inside.