With the calendar turning to April and the 2024 NFL draft just weeks away, it's time to take a tour of mock drafts to see what experts are predicting for the Detroit Lions with their No. 29 overall pick in the first round.
While the Lions have made some significant additions and re-signings this offseason, there is still more work to be done in order to shore up some position groups and set the team up for the future.
In this mock draft roundup, most experts see the Lions taking an edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson for the long haul. However, there are some analysts who are mocking Detroit a player at a different position of need, like wide receiver, cornerback and offensive line.
Here's how things shook out:
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.
Curt Popejoy, Draft Wire: EDGE Laitu Latu, UCLA
The Lions signed Marcus Davenport but still need help on the outside opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Arjun Menon, Pro Football Focus: CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
Cameron Sutton‘s release opens up a spot at outside cornerback for Detroit. General manager Brad Holmes seemingly goes with a “best player available” pick in the first round each year, but for a team that has struggled to defend the pass for years, shoring up the backend should be a priority. In a man-heavy scheme like Detroit’s, Tampa’s physicality and ability to force incompletions are a good fit.
Bleacher Report Scouting Department: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been an amazing success story after the Detroit Lions drafted the wide receiver in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He's already been named to two Pro Bowls and earned a first-team All-Pro nod this past season. Beyond St. Brown, the Lions require far more from their outside receivers.
Tight end Sam LaPorta was the team's second-most productive target last season. Wide receiver Josh Reynolds finished third on the team with 608 receiving yards, but he signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent. More should be expected from Jameson Williams this year, but Florida State's Keon Coleman provides a different skill set from everyone else on the roster.
Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
The Lions are high-powered and efficient, but the defense still needs improvement. With this pack, the Lions find Aidan Hutchinson a running mate and draft Jared Verse. Verse is a speed-to-power rusher who can be a double-digit sack guy, giving the Lions a good one-two punch.
Matt Miller, ESPN: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
The Lions stick to their board. In 2023, that meant going running back and off-ball linebacker in Round 1. But I think Detroit targets a premium position this year. Robinson has electric speed (4.48 in the 40) and first-step quickness, getting on offensive tackles right off the snap. His production in college was limited -- just four sacks last season -- but this is a bet on his burst and potential. I like his skill set opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Danny Kelly, The Ringer: EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
The Lions added defensive linemen D.J. Reader and Marcus Davenport in free agency, but that doesn’t stop them from selecting another hard-nosed pass rusher here in Robinson. The former Missouri standout can play all along the line and comes replete with a Dan Campbell type of playing style—the type of player who ups the intensity of the guys around him and plays with his hair on fire at all times.
Ian Valentino, The 33rd Team: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
Fit: There's more buzz around the Detroit Lions replacing Taylor Decker's huge $19.1 million cap hit than anticipated, considering his talent.
If Detroit wants to offload Decker this summer, Kingsley Suamataia has to be considered here. Suamataia is much like Decker as a prospect: He gets the job done more often than not and relies on great tools to win.
