The Detroit Lions have one of the league’s most potent offenses, so they don’t have big needs to address on that side of the ball early in the NFL Draft.
Though the organization would certainly benefit from adding depth at each position, the defensive side of the ball remains a top area of need.
As a result, my latest mock draft simulation focused on adding starting-caliber defensive talent early, while using the later rounds to gather offensive depth.
Alabama’s Chris Braswell was the first pick at No. 29 overall. With many of the top cornerback talents off the board in this scenario, the Lions grab one of the top EDGE rushers in the class that also has SAM linebacker capabilities.
This position was one that James Houston was being molded for prior to his injury, so the Lions would add high-level competition to this position early in the draft.
In the second round, T’Vondre Sweat was still available, and hence, an easy addition for the Lions to make on Day 2.
Sweat has been a trendy pick for the Lions, since he stood out at the Senior Bowl.
With two third-round selections, the Lions elected to address both sides of the ball.
First, it’s Florida State cornerback Renardo Green with the No. 73 overall pick.
Green fits well with the Lions’ defense, as he played plenty of press-man coverage with the Seminoles last season.
