In a fresh mock draft from the scouting department over at The 33rd Team, the Detroit Lions double-up on their biggest need in the first round.
The Detroit Lions had a winning season this year for the first time since 2017, which may be disaffectionately known as “Pre-Patricia” by Lions fans. They are also pretty well-equipped for the offseason, with a solid amount of cap space (and a path to create more) as well as four of the top-60 picks in April’s draft.
Mock drafts take all shapes and sizes this time of the year. Mock Draft 3.0, after the Senior Bowl, from The 33rd Team goes two rounds with plenty of trades.
The Lions of course have two picks in the top-20 overall, thanks to having the Los Angeles Rams’ first-round pick again this year (No. 6 overall). So they will have plenty of options, including trading up or down from No. 6 and/or No. 18.
Detroit Lions double-up on biggest need in first round of mock
There’s no need to necessarily dive into the ugly pass defense numbers for the Lions this season. But it means cornerback is their biggest need this offseason.
The 33rd Team has the Carolina Panthers trading up to No. 6 with the Lions to take a quarterback (Kentucky’s Will Levis). So the Lions drop to ninth overall, and pick up an extra second-rounder in the deal.
9. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (Projected Trade with Carolina)
The Lions move from No. 6 to No. 9 and still get the player they wanted. The defense gets faster and more athletic with the top corner in the draft. Christian Gonzalez (scouting report) would pair with former top 5 pick Jeff Okudah, who had a resurgent year in 2022.
Gonzalez has been a very popular mock draft pick for the Lions, at No. 6 or No. 18. He’s in the conversation as the best cornerback in this year’s draft, and to be the first cornerback drafted.
At No. 18, the Lions double-up to address their biggest need.
18. Detroit Lions: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Taking two corners in the first round in the same draft is unusual, but it makes sense for the Lions. In one day, they solidify this position. Emmanuel Forbes (scouting report) made a name for himself by producing 14 interceptions in three collegiate seasons.
Forbes had six interceptions (returning three for touchdowns) for Mississippi State this past season, with 10 pass breakups. Taking another corner in the first round implies the Lions won’t notably address the position in free agency, which is certainly possible.
In the second round of The 33rd Team Mock Draft 3.0, here’s what the Lions did.
Pick No. 49: Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Pick No. 56 (from Minnesota in T.J. Hockenson trade): South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft
Pick No. 62 (via Carolina trade): Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe
You can view The 33rd Team’s scouting reports on Gonzalez and Forbes, here (Gonzalez) and here (Forbes).