Detroit Lions Boost Offensive Arsenal in Initial Mock Draft
BY JOHN MAAKARON, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT LIONS NEWS, ANALYSIS AND MORE
UPDATED MARCH 02, 2024, 11:39 AM
With the NFL Draft approaching in less than a month, anticipation is building for the Detroit Lions. General manager Brad Holmes, known for his drafting prowess since assuming the role in 2021, has another chance to showcase his skills in April. While the Lions are perceived to have defensive needs, there’s room for enhancement on the offensive front. Explore the potential moves the Lions might make in our latest seven-round mock draft.
**Round 1, Pick 29: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State**
Despite possessing an All-Pro slot receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, the question of who will complement him in 2024 remains unanswered. With impending free agency for Josh Reynolds and Donovan Peoples-Jones, and uncertainty surrounding Jameson Williams’ durability, the need for a reliable big-bodied wide receiver is evident. Enter Coleman, the former Michigan State Spartan, whose impressive stint at Florida State showcased his versatility—a quality that aligns well with Ben Johnson’s offensive strategy.
**Round 2, Pick 61: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington**
Trice may lack elite physical attributes, but his relentless work ethic suggests a promising NFL career. Accumulating 18 career sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss, he emerges as a potential game-changer at the professional level. As a fitting counterpart to Aidan Hutchinson, Trice’s adeptness at both rushing the passer and defending the run aligns with the Lions’ requirements.
**Round 3, Pick 73: Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson**
The Lions, facing a lack of dependable depth on the defensive interior, could benefit from Orhorhoro’s seasoned experience. Across five seasons, he amassed 25.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, showcasing versatility as a pass-rusher and run-stopper—a valuable addition alongside Alim McNeill.
**Round 3, Pick 92: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan**
With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs as strong running back options, the Lions seek to solidify depth by investing in Corum. Despite a smaller frame, Corum is a robust runner fully recovered from a 2022 knee injury. His athleticism and cultural alignment make him a strategic addition to enhance competition in the running back corps.
**Round 5, Pick 163: James Williams, S, Miami (FL)**
To address depth concerns at safety, the Lions consider Williams, a willing tackler with ample size. In light of uncertainties surrounding Ceedy Duce’s future with the team, Williams presents an opportunity to invest in a young, promising safety.
**Round 6, Pick 207: Andrew Coker, OT, TCU**
Anticipating Taylor Decker’s contract year, the Lions aim to bolster offensive tackle depth with the addition of Coker. As a project tackle with impressive size, Coker’s 73.3 pass-blocking grade in 2023 and athletic prowess position him as a promising prospect requiring development.
**Round 7, Pick 247: Jaden Crumedy, DL, Mississippi State**
Similar to the Lions’ approach with Brodric Martin last season, Crumedy, a robust defensive lineman, emerges as a developmental project. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, he exhibits potential to fortify the defensive line rotation alongside Alim McNeill.
