Favorite options for the Detroit Lions on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft

Up until recently, all signs were pointing to JPJ being a first-round lock in the 2024 NFL Draft. Over the last week or so, it doesn’t feel like that’s the case when reading between the lines of what the national media is presenting. That said, I think the Lions would be thrilled with the opportunity of drafting him in the first round.

Or the Lions could see if he falls into the second round and they could get aggressive for him on day two. That said, I think they’d be thrilled with him at the 29th overall pick. Obviously, there’s teams before the Lions that need help on the interior offensive line but we’ve seen the Lions get lucky in previous drafts.

Powers-Johnson is stout against defenders and is incredibly consistent. His ability to pull and get in space is impressive due to his quickness and aggressive demeanor. Whether it be in gap or zone blocking schemes, JPJ excels in all areas of the field with his grip strength and ability to finish.

By drafting JPJ, the Lions give themselves insurance behind Frank Ragnow at center. As we know, there are longevity concerns with Ragnow despite being one of the best players at his position. Additionally, JPJ can play guard. He arrived at the Senior Bowl weighing 334 pounds and showed that he could play guard and center. I think drafting an interior offensive lineman will be relatively high on the Lions list to add competition and depth to the group.

Talking about Legette with my colleague and good friend, Scott Bischoff, on our podcast Bish and Brown really got me thinking about his fit in Detroit. Ultimately, he’s a perfect fit in my eyes and I don’t think the Lions would surprise anyone by taking him with the 29th overall pick.

For starters, he’s built like a running back. He’s got a thick lower half and is able to run consistently after the catch. At 6’1″ and 221 pounds, there’s belief that Legette can slide right into an offense as an ‘X’ receiver. However, I think he can play from multiple alignments. Creating separation consistently lacks from his game but he can win at the catch point on 50-50 balls due to how he withstands contact from the opposition.

Whether it be on a fly route, designed screens or in-and-out breaking routes, he can fit in Detroit. Thinking of ways the Lions can replace Josh Reynolds, this is one that just makes so much sense for the efficiency that Legette will provide with the timing of dig and out routes. He’d be paired up with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta to give Jared Goff multiple options in the passing game. Getting a pass-catcher is certainly in the cards for the Lions in round one, and I think Legette fits.

Could the Lions go with a hometown kid in the first round? It’s possible but just when you look at what they look for with defensive lineman, Robinson is a perfect fit. He checked into the Scouting Combine at 6’5″ and 285 pounds and only ran the 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds. Fortunately, it’s not expected for him to outrun the opposition and speed has never really been his game. Robinson is a power player and will help stop the run right away.

Playing in a 3-3-5 stack defense at Missouri, Robinson was at a disadvantage at times. Much of that was due to him having inside alignments or having to be squared up to the offensive tackle rather than being able to play half-man. Regardless, he’s shown that he can turn speed-to-power on tape and that his long-arm move can be used consistently to dissolve the pocket.

The Lions defense values players such as Robinson and he could contribute right away. Despite adding Marcus Davenport in free agency, Robinson would be a fine addition worthy of a first-round selection in Detroit.

Haynes is one of my favorite players in the 2024 NFL Draft and he’s worthy of being selected in the first round. While he’s earned a second-round grade on my draft board and is my 42nd overall player, he just fits Detroit.

Throughout the draft process, Dan Campbell made a comment about what they look for in a player. He said, “…the years that the guys go back, 2-3 years, to really get a snapshot of what this guy is.” Referring to Brad Holmes’ grinding tape and the Lions scouting department, I’m sure the Lions have spent plenty of time studying Haynes out of UConn. After all, he’s had some of the best growth that I’ve seen of any player in the draft from 2021 to 2023.

Consistent growth with a player is always encouraging. With Haynes, he’s shown that and more as a player during his career with the Huskies. He’s started 49 straight games on the interior and has developed into one of the best finishers for interior offensive linemen in the draft. Always trying to assert his dominance and physicality, he’s found ways to do that and win in a variety of ways. Whether it be off a combo block, pulling or reach blocking, he’s got the desired play strength and lateral quickness needed to excel in the NFL.

It sure feels like the Lions would need to trade up to get Cooper DeJean out of Iowa at this point. As we know though, the draft is always unpredictable. Regardless, I think DeJean would be a great fit in Detroit’s defensive scheme. After all, they’ve shown that they’re willing to dip into the talent pool from Iowa (Sam LaPorta and Jack Campbell) so they could try it again this year.

DeJean is a well-built defensive back who has the physicality and athleticism needed to play anywhere in the defensive backfield. He’s experienced at both safety and cornerback, but I could see a team such as the Lions try him on the perimeter before placing him over the top of the defense. With his special teams ability, he should carve out a role immediately with their unit as well.

Best suited to play in zone coverage while in cover 3 or quarters coverage, he can also play in man coverage. At times, he plays stiff so that could lead to some issues against more fluid receivers. There’s potential for DeJean to be a versatile chess piece that can be moved around the defense in Detroit. This would be a great selection and fit in Detroit.