One NFL analyst has the Detroit Lions taking Washington State safety Jaden Hicks in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft in his final mock, and a former general manager is absolutely roasting him for it.
The analyst is CBS Sports' Pete Prisco, who believes Hicks will be the Lions' pick at No. 29 overall on Thursday night.
However, Rick Spielman, the former Minnesota Vikings general manager, vehemently disagrees with that pick, telling Prisco to "learn the game."
Detriot taking Jaden Hicks in the 1st RD??? The only thing worse is your Will Levis prediction last year. LEARN THE GAME https://t.co/DxeSGPFNLC
— Rick Spielman (@spielman_rick) April 25, 2024
While the Lions could use some more help at safety, it's a bit of a stretch to think they'll target one that is projected by many to go somewhere on Day 2.
The Lions have Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu set to start in 2024, but Joseph is coming off offseason surgery and Melifonwu has an injury history and limited starting experience. And, at the very least, the Lions could use more depth options.
Brian Branch is another potential starting option, but the Lions would prefer to keep him in the slot.
Head coach Dan Campbell has mentioned safety as a position the Lions need to add to, so we could very well see them take one in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, I don't suspect that happening in Round 1, unless they take a versatile defensive back like Cooper DeJean, who could play corner or safety at the next level.
