We are just 59 days away from the 2024 NFL Draft and Lions fans for once will have a long wait for their first pick.
As of right now, they are set to be the 29th overall pick in the draft. Even picking that late, this draft is set up for them to get someone very talented. It is a very deep draft class at various positions that are needed for the Lions. They could get a starter despite picking that late in the round, whether it is the interior offensive line, defensive back, or defensive line.
With there being so many Mondays between now and the NFL draft, it’s important to run through different outcomes the Lions could have. In this one, the situation being run is the Lions getting aggressive in the draft and trading up for a player they want.
This team was just in the NFC Championship, they are close, one player could make all the difference.
Round Two, Pick 34
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Trade Back: The Lions send the 29th overall pick with the 73rd overall pick to the Patriots for 34th, 104th, and 136th overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, as well as a 2025 2nd-round pick
Selection: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
Frazier has been a mock draft pick for the Lions at 29th overall. Team needs for the teams behind them should allow for him to be there at pick 34 so trading back and getting the extra capital makes all the sense here.
Brad Holmes has a tough decision ahead with Jared Goff. If they decide they can’t come to a number the extra capital in 2025 could be used to trade up next year. For the time being, Frazier is an instant starter for the Lions at guard and can be a long-term solution for Frank Ragnow if he decides to retire in the near future.
Round Two, Pick 61
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Selection: Bralen Trice, Edge Washington
Bralen Trice is an absolute bull on the edge, if you question it just go back and look what he did to Texas this past year. Trice has the speed and strength to be a starter opposite Aidan Hutchison while also being good enough to have teams not be able to double-team him. No double teams, and more sack production, which helps the secondary out even more.
Round Three, Pick 92
: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Selection: DeWayne Carter, DL, Duke
Alim McNeil is looking to get a contract extension very soon. The rest of the defensive line has looked great at stopping the run, Carter allows them to bring some pass rush. Carter could easily be placed out at edge but keeping him inside is the move if he is the pick. Let him feed on the inside while Aidan Hutchison and Trice work the outside.
Round 4, Pick 104
Kansas redshirt senior offensive lineman Dominick Puni (67) is seen during Monday’s outdoor practice.
Selection: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
Dominick Puni the tackle I am not sold on, Puni the guard however I am all in on. He has issues handling speed rushers at tackle as well as their change of direction; both problems can be fixed with a move inside. Puni could be a plug-and-play guard on day one paired with Frazier, and this offensive line takes the next step.
Round Five, Pick 136
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Selection: Chau Smith-Wade, Cornerback, Washington State
Smith-Wade has the length you look for from a cornerback prospect but he lacks the man coverage ability. He could make a pivot to safety where his quick hips and speed could allow him to make plays on the ball and disrupt the opponent’s passing game.
Round Five, Pick 163
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Selection: Anthony Gould, Wide Receiver, Oregon State
A low-cost pick with a very high upside, Anthony Gould just makes plays happen. He has a lot of special teams experience and has shown he can be explosive in the return game. He has a decent route tree as well and could be involved in special packages while being super impactful on special teams.
Round Six, Pick 207
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Selection: Tanor Bortolini, OL, Wisconsin
Bartolini is a project for the offensive line coach that honestly may not pan out, so you are betting on the physical traits. He played center at Wisconsin but can be used for depth along the offensive line group.
Round Seven, Pick 247
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Selection: Layden Robinson, OL, Texas A&M
The offensive line has been heavily addressed in this mock draft but the offensive line is the identity of this team. Robinson is another depth piece here at the back end of the draft. He played guard at Texas A&M so he can provide depth there while Puni and Frazier lead the charge of the youth infusion.