The NFL combine starts next Tuesday and usually the combine will be accompanied by changes in draft stock. Players are going to rise and fall after all the running and jumping they do next week. So we’re going to get one more mock draft in before that starts and then we’ll come back for a post combine mock draft and see what’s changed. Before we get into that, here’s the mock drafts we’ve done so far:
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I started talking myself into a receiver in the first round this week based off the prior moves that Brad Holmes and the Lions have made and the teams need for an outside guy that can go up and get the ball. Coleman is a guy that fits that bill.
The former Michigan State standout transferred to Florida State for the 2023 season and put up 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. I know that doesn’t seem like a lot, but Florida State really spread the ball around last year.
Coleman was at one point considered to be a top 10 pick in this draft but he has fallen down draft boards as other have risen and he’s now an upper second round guy. The combine should push him up the board and back into the first.
If the Lions are looking for someone that can make things happen on the field, Coleman is one of those guys.
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I mean what more can I really say about Sweat? This is the third time I’ve mocked him to Detroit and I’ve written multiple articles about him. He’s able to be had in the second round right now, but I don’t know if that will happen after the combine. This could be the last time he’s mocked this low unless he has a rough showing.
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Time for some Maction. Kneeland has been moving his way up the draft board and it’s probably because the speed he brings to the position. Kneeland was the fastest defensive lineman on the field at the Senior Bowl. That speed also helped him as a pass rusher for Western Michigan. He had six sacks in 10 games for the Broncos last season.
Aidan Hutchinson also brings a lot of speed with his game. It would be interesting to see both of these guys coming at the quarterback from either side.
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This is the second time that I’ve mocked Abrams-Draine to the Lions this year. Last time he was picked in the fifth round. That’s how much he’s risen up the draft board since December.
It has to be that allowed 48.1 completion percentage coupled with a really solid week at the Senior Bowl. That and the fact that this dude just flat out tackles everyone.
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Back to back corners for the Lions after focusing on the the defensive line early. This class is deep at corner and that’s how you’re able to get a guy like Pritchett on day three.
Pritchett had a solid year in the SEC in 2023. He allowed a 58.1 pass rating. He also brought versatility to the table. Something the Lions have shown that they’re fans of. Pritchett can play outside, slot and in the box. He can also make plays on special teams.
The Lions have a guy in Graham Glasgow that can play multiple different positions. How about getting another guy like that who can do it off the bench and grow into a bigger role. McMahon can be that guy for the Lions.
He started at both left and right guard at North Carolina State. Not just that though, he also spent a season starting at center for the Wolfpack too. The Lions are a team that just needs depth on the inside and Colby Sorsdal is just not ready yet. McMahon, who allowed just two sacks in the last two seasons, could be ready to step up. This move also helps Sorsdal go back to being a tackle.
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With Tracy Walker gone, the Lions could use some safety help off the bench. Oladapo is a guy that can do things that the Lions like. Not only did he have three interceptions and 23 pass breakups in his time at Oregon State, he also had 6.5 sacks. The Lions showed in 2023 that they love that safety blitz.
He also just seems like a Dan Campbell type of guy. This play here where he chases down the ball carrier and forces a fumble has grit written all over it.