The NFL calendar speeds into the Scouting Combine for the final week of February. With everyone who’s anyone heading to Indianapolis for the annual scouting extravaganze and de facto NFL meetings, it’s a good time to reset the Detroit Lions with another mock draft.
No trades in this one, but there are a couple of conditions to help set up the roster and needs. Before the draft scenario here, the Lions re-signed CB Carlton Davis and LB Derrick Barnes as free agents, but saw DL Levi Onwuzurike, EDGE Marcus Davenport and S Ifeatu Melifonwu depart as free agents and RG Kevin Zeitler retire.
The first mock draft scenario can be found here.
The post-Senior Bowl mock draft is here.
With an emphasis on players who fit the Lions football culture and expected schemes, as well as reasonable expectations of being available at the draft slots, here’s how this third Lions mock draft of the offseason plays out.
First round: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) celebrates a touchdown by running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
Jackson was already a likely first-round prospect as a guard before his draft fates likely took an upturn late in Ohio State’s championship season. Sliding over to left tackle for injured Josh Simmons–another potential first-round talent–Jackson played darn near perfectly at tackle. His footwork, his strength and his quick feet reflected a very bright future outside for Jackson.
In Detroit, he can compete to start at guard as a rookie and also provide very real upside as a potential starting tackle in another year or two.
Second round: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Oct 12, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Bradyn Swinson (4) sacks Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Swinson offers speed-to-power juice as a disruptive force off the edge of the formation. His size (listed at 6-4/250) is on the smaller side for Detroit, but he is the same size as Lions’ EDGE Mitchell Agude and plays with more burst and speed around the edge. Just a one-year college starter between Oregon and LSU, Swinson needs some technical refinement (hand usage, run fit discipline) to be more than a pass-rush specialist as a rookie. The physical tools are there to work with.
Third round: Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom (8) tackles Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Ransom is a direct replacement for oft-injured Ifeatu Melifonwu, a short-area coverage safety who doubles as a very effective run blitzer and screen/swing pass defender. He did show enough coverage acumen to turn and run with tight ends. Ransom plays every snap like it’s the most important rep he’s ever been a part of, and that includes special teams–where he would figure to be an instant asset for coordinator Dave Fipp.
This is the compensatory pick for the loss of coach Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets. The comp picks aren’t officially awarded until later this offseason. It will be the last selection of the third round, likely No. 101 overall. The Lions traded their own third-round pick to select Giovanni Manu in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Fourth round: Elijah Roberts, DL, SMU
STATE COLLEGE, PA – DECEMBER 21: Elijah Roberts #5 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs lines up against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on December 21, 2024 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In keeping with the theme of drafting replacements for departed Lions, Roberts is an instant hole-filler for Levi Onwuzurike as a positionally versatile pass rusher along the defensive front. Roberts, a favorite of Lions Wire colleague Russ Brown, can play as a heavy end or reduce inside and win with his outstanding barrage of pass-rush moves and gap-shooting ability as a 3-tech. Roberts is a definite player to watch for Detroit during the combine.
Sixth round: Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota
Aug 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Justin Walley (5) intercepts a pass intended for North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Bryson Nesbit (18) during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Walley fits the grit Detroit covets from its outside CBs. He’s very physical in press coverage and attacks the run like a linebacker. Walley has quick feet and good eyes and instincts in coverage and enough size (listed 5-11/195) to handle most outside receivers. He’s a Day 3 talent due to a lack of long speed and some inconsistency in zone coverage spacing and communication. Deshea Townsend can coach that up, but Walley will likely always need over-the-top help against speed merchant wideouts.
Seventh round (2 picks)
Athletic lottery ticket time!
Tyreem Powell, LB, Rutgers
Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Powell is a true Brad Holmes special, an outstanding athlete whose college career was marred by multiple injuries. When on the field, the 6-foot-5 inside backer showed sideline-to-sideline speed, smart coverage skills and relentless energy. Alas, Powell has had neck, wrist and heel injuries that have greatly dampened a talented player who got some preseason top-100 buzz before the 2023 season.
Williams is an undersized outside vertical threat of a receiver who tracks the ball down the field quite well. Good YAC player on quick slants and quick swings, too. He was the fastest-timed player during Senior Bowl week and offers some potential juice as a return specialist as well as a depth receiver. His route discipline and playing strength are not assets for Williams.