Based on how unpredictable general manager Brad Holmes has been in his three NFL drafts, it's truly difficult to project what direction the Detroit Lions will go when the event rolls around later this month.
The Lions do have some needs to address on both sides of the ball, but they aren't dire to the point that Holmes has to be rigid in his approach, thus he could opt to make picks that are more about the future than an immediate need.
All that said, we're going to do our best to take a crack at a three-round mock draft for the Lions using the Pro Football Network simulator. All in all, Detroit comes away with a pretty solid haul that checks multiple boxes.
Round 1, Pick 29: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
DeJean offers great versatility thanks to his ability to play on the boundary, in the slot, and at safety. We know the Lions have a question mark opposite No. 1 corner Carlton Davis, and the safety position shouldn't be viewed as set in stone, either.
The Lions could opt to deploy DeJean at safety, or they could put the Iowa product in the slot and move Brian Branch back deep. If Detroit isn't happy with either Amik Robertson or Emmanuel Moseley outside, DeJean gives Detroit another option on the outside, also.
Round 2, Pick 61: WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington
The departure of Josh Reynolds, who finished with the second-most yards among Lions wideouts last season, and the uncertainty surrounding third-year wide receiver Jameson Williams leaves the Lions a bit shaky at the position.
With a plethora of guys who can work out of the slot, Detroit needs a true boundary receiver, a need Polk can fill. Unfortunately, he isn't viewed as someone who can stretch the field.
At 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, the Washington product has ideal size for an outside target, and his contested catch ability makes him a threat even when he's well-covered, including in the red zone.
He'd be a solid depth piece in Year 1 with the potential to become a starting-caliber player down the line.
Round 3, Pick 73: EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
The addition of defensive end Marcus Davenport gives the Lions some help in the edge rusher department, but Detroit could use more depth behind him, especially considering his injury history.
Kneeland has the goods to be an impact pass-rusher at the next level, whether he's standing up or has his hand in the dirt, and he's already a plus run defender, giving him three-down potential.
He'd provide some depth for Detroit in his rookie campaign, but it isn't crazy to think he could become a starter in the years to come.
