Lions NFL mock draft roundup reflects unpredictability of No. 29 overall pick

Mike Moraitis

Lions NFL mock draft roundup reflects unpredictability of No. 29 overall pick image

In just a few days, we'll be exactly two weeks out from the 2024 NFL draft, where the Detroit Lions will first be on the clock on April 25 when they make their first-round selection at No. 29 overall.

While the Lions do have some positions that need more help than others, their overall roster is rock solid, which leaves the door open for them to go with the best player available at multiple different positions

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding what the 2023 NFC North champions will do, general manager Brad Holmes has been unpredictable over his first three drafts.

In our latest mock draft roundup, the unpredictability of what the Lions could do at No. 29 overall is on full display, as analysts have them taking players on both sides of the ball, including prospects at multiple positions on defense.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State

The Lions added some defensive line help for Aidan Hutchinson in free agency, including former Saints pass rusher Marcus Davenport. Robinson can be more of a regular with his array of moves as his nickname would suggest.

Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

Powers-Johnson has “Dan Campbell type of player” written all over him. That he can play center or guard at a high level is a nice trump card for the man known as JPJ. No change from the last mock, though Brian Thomas is very difficult to bypass here.

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

A two-time All-SEC selection who goes through his pro day paces on a broken foot – running a sub-4.5 40 in the process – seems like HC Dan Campbell’s kind of guy. There’s also a need here after Detroit abruptly cut Cam Sutton in the aftermath of a domestic violence incident.

Garrett Podell, CBS Sports: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State

Chop Robinson is explosive. He ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash while standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 254 pounds. Detroit couldn't find a pass-rush complement to Hutchinson last season, so it gets a dynamic athlete at that spot here. That should give the Lions defense a critical boost with the team squarely in contention for NFC supremacy.

Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Even after adding Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson this offseason, the Lions could stand to improve their cornerback room.

While he’s not an elite athlete like the cornerbacks who went before him, McKinstry still deserves to be in the CB1 conversation. His 91.5 PFF grade from 2022 to 2023 ranked fourth among college football cornerbacks.

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

Lions Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow turns 28 in May, and he’s been very banged up the last few years. Plus, Detroit’s in the market for a guard today. Powers-Johnson could be the team’s future center while filling an immediate need on the depth chart.

Adam Rank, NFL.com: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

You are a really good football team, but the defense has room for improvement. Aidan Hutchinson could use some help up front, but the top four edge rushers and top two defensive tackles are all gone. Regardless, Aaron Glenn's unit could certainly use a physical corner like Rakestraw, especially after the sudden release of Cameron Sutton.

 Diante Lee, The 33rd Team: DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois

Fit: The Detroit Lions’ run defense needs some help up the spine, and nobody is more disruptive on the interior than Jer’Zhan Newton. His lower body explosiveness and agility are impressive at his size, and there’s a lot to like with his motor and hand placement as an interior pass rusher.

Detroit has invested so much into its front four, and I can imagine some fan exhaustion here, but the trenches must be built to sustain the Lions long-term.

Christian Booher, Sports Illustrated: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

In the first round, a surprising steal was available in the form of Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean. A foot injury hindered his draft stock somewhat, as does uncertainty about where he will play at the next level.

However, this plays well for the Lions. Whether DeJean winds up as a corner or a safety, the Lions need players at both positions. Therefore, he was an easy pick at No. 29 overall.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.