The Detroit Lions came up one win short of advancing to the Super Bowl and have a ready-made roster that has them as a threat to take the NFC crown in 2024.
The Lions managed to keep the core of their coaching staff intact and simply need to address some needs on the defensive side of the football to help them complete their journey competing for the Lombardi Trophy this upcoming season.
In this mock draft, the Lions focus on adding talent up front and on the back end of the defense to help bolster the roster heading into 2024. We get to aid in this process by using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, which we will utilize for this projection based on their current NFL Draft capital.
Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Lions did lose a valuable member of their offensive line, Jonah Jackson, to free agency but still boast one of the best offensive line units in the league with Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell anchoring both tackle positions.
The Lions did address the secondary by trading for Carlton Davis III and signing Amik Robertson but did lose C.J. Gardner-Johnson to free agency.
- Round 1, Pick 29: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
- Round 2, Pick 61: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
- Round 3, Pick 73: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
- Round 5, Pick 164: Sataoa Laumea, OG, Utah
- Round 6, Pick 201: Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
- Round 6, Pick 205: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
- Round 7, Pick 249: Gabriel Murphy, EDGE, UCLA
* denotes compensatory/conditional pick
Detroit Lions 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 29: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Whether you believe Iowa’s Cooper DeJean projects better as a safety or cornerback at the NFL level, he is still a versatile asset that could contribute to the Lions’ retooled secondary in 2024 and beyond.
Similar to Brian Branch, DeJean can terrorize opponents as a slot defender with his exceptional ball skills and physical presence in run support.
DeJean can operate on the outside as a zone corner but could present some limitations in man coverage.
Round 2, Pick 61: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
The interior of the defensive line is another area of need for the Lions’ defense entering the draft, making Michael Hall Jr. an intriguing option in the second round.
Hall flashed dominance during his time at Ohio State with a befuddling twitch and suddenness for a man that size. Speaking of size, the big question for Hall is how effective his 290-pound frame will be against NFL-caliber interior offensive lineman who may be able to overwhelm him with size.
Despite the question marks, Hall has the athleticism and burst to become a disruptive force at the NFL level.
Round 3, Pick 73: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
There is no doubt that Aidan Hutchinson is an ascending pass-rush talent in the NFL, but the Lions could certainly use another difference-maker on the opposite side.
Marshawn Kneeland‘s athleticism, powerful first punch, and high-running motor on a 6’3”, 267-pound frame can develop into an impact player opposite of Hutchinson.
Round 5, Pick 164: Sataoa Maumea, OG, Utah
Detroit attempts to address the loss of Jackson along the offensive line by selecting the experienced guard Sataoa Maumea from Utah in the fifth round.
MORE: Top iOL in the 2024 NFL Draft
Maumea was a four-year starter in college who spent time at guard and tackle during his time with the Utes. He has a massive frame and possesses the power that could be ideal for generating push in gap-scheme concepts but is certainly capable in zone-based schemes too.
Round 6, Pick 201: Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
Baylor’s Gabe Hall has all the makings of an effective interior run defender heading into the NFL. He may not be a dominant force as a nose or 0-technique in the league, but his physical tools suggest he could develop into a difference-maker in the pros.
The tape for Hall left me wanting more, but in the hands of the right coaching staff and proper scheme, Hall has undeniable upside.
Round 6, Pick 205: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
The new culture head coach Dan Campbell has created in Detroit calls for players willing to do the dirty work. Texas A&M’s Ainias Smith fits this description perfectly.
Does he have a clear path to playing time in 2024? Probably not. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are both ascending talents on the outside, but Smith does the little things well. He is a capable threat as a ball carrier after the catch, has formation versatility, and is a very willing blocker which could help him earn a roster spot on this dynamic Lions offense.
Round 7, Pick 249: Gabriel Murphy, EDGE, UCLA
The Lions finish out their draft by taking another at-bat to find an impact edge rusher in UCLA’s Gabriel Murphy.
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Murphy showcased a natural feel for winning against the offensive lineman put in front of him with disciplined hand placement and a variety of pass-rushing moves in college. However, a lack of length and burst could limit his ceiling at the next level.
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