Time for another manic mock draft Monday!
On the eve of free agency, this is likely to be the last mock draft before the course of them changes drastically. Right now the team’s primary needs center around the defensive line, edge rushers, defensive backs, and interior offensive line. They are rumored to be targeting certain players at those positions in not just free agency but via trade.
The trade angel is what we will be exploring in this mock draft, what would a mock look like if they do pull off a trade for L’Jarius Sneed? Let’s find out.
Round One, Pick 29
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Selection: Graham Barton, Offensive Line, Duke Graham Barton is one of the more well-rounded offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has played all five positions in college but really thrived at guard and center. Short term, he is a plug-and-play guard with Pro Bowl potential I truly believe. In the long term, he is the solution at the center while having All-Pro potential. If Barton makes it to 29, Brad Holmes needs to run the card in.
Trade for L’Jarius Sneed
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Details: 61st overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft and 2nd Round Pick in 2025 NFL Draft Brad Holmes has shown he can be aggressive by trading up or down in the draft, or by just trading picks for players. The price tag may seem like a lot up front, especially considering they have to come to extend Sneed, but no one in this corner class can provide what he does at this point. The top-end talent would require a trade into the top 16 which would require even more draft capital going away. This trade is perfect for this team as it is in its “win now” window.
Round Three, Pick 73
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Selection: Brandon Dorlus, Defensive Line, Oregon The team has needs at both edge rusher and the interior defensive line, Dorlus checks both boxes. He played edge at Oregon but his size and speed have him primed for a move inside. He shows he can provide adequate run defense while having the pass-rushing upside.
Round Three, Pick 92
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Selection: Mason McCormick, Guard, South Dakota State After testing out of his mind at the NFL Scouting Combine, Mason McCormick has become a hot name in draft circles. An offensive line of Taylor Decker, Graham Barton, Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, and McCormick could be one of the more complete units in the NFL. The running game would continue to thrive while also giving Jared Goff but stopping the growing amount of interior pass rushers.
Round Five, Pick 163
: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports
Selection: Jaheim Bell, Tight End, Florida State We highlighted him last week and we have a return appearance for the Seminole playmaker. Bell could be used in the backfield, at tight end, or out on the slot as a receiver or blocker. He is a complete asset for any offense that drafts him so why not the Lions?
Round Six, Pick 207
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Selection: Ty’Ron Hopper, Linebacker, Missouri Ty’Ron Harper is a rangy, athletic linebacker from Missouri who could provide some additional depth at a position that gets banged up at any given moment. Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell have a stranglehold on the starting roles but there is always room for depth.
Round Seven, Pick 247
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Selection: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edge Rusher, Washington Rounding out this diverse mock draft is one last piece to plug on the defensive front. Zion Tupuola-Fetui has some injury concerns on his track record but he also has the pass-rushing skillset to be worth a flier late in the draft.