Headline: Detroit Lions add Cincinnati Bengals pair to their lineup….
A number of recent mock selections have seen Cooper DeJean fall to the Lions.
The 10th All Lions mock draft roundup for the 2024 NFL Draft is about to begin.
A number of defensive backs have gained popularity in the past week as options for the Lions to choose with the 29th overall pick in the first round.
Now let’s look at the players that draft pundits project Lions general manager Brad Holmes to choose in the opening round.
According to Yates, “Cornerback feels like an early draft necessity now that it was already a priority for Detroit before Cameron Sutton was released (due to accusations of domestic battery).”
In Detroit, DeJean would partner with Jack Campbell, a 2023 first-round pick and former teammate from Iowa, to strengthen the Lions’ secondary. With remarkable man coverage abilities and on-ball output (seven interceptions in the last two years), he is a quick player.
DeJean’s toughness and willingness to tackle are qualities that would undoubtedly entice general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. These same qualities also make evaluators believe that if he went to safety, DeJean may be the best in the class. However, I see him as a really good corner.
“Marshawn Kneeland makes it into the first round,” writes Edwards. Kneeland, who started his career in a rotation alongside Marcus Davenport, will eventually replace Aidan Hutchinson as the starting pass rusher.”
It’s unusual for the Lions to go center here, especially with Frank Ragnow coming off of an All-Pro year, writes Kerr. Ragnow has suffered as a center, thus the Lions will turn to Powers-Johnson in the future to pick up skills under Ragnow. Powers-Johnson is one of the players Detroit is looking for on game day one, although he might be cross-trained at guard.
The Lions are a strong and effective team, but Sanchez notes that the defense still requires work. The Lions draft Jared Verse and find Aidan Hutchinson a running buddy with this pack. Verse provides the Lions with a potent one-two punch as a speed-to-power rusher with the ability to haul in double-digit sacks.
According to Valentino, “Considering his talent, there’s more talk about the Detroit Lions replacing Taylor Decker’s huge $19.1 million cap hit than anticipated.”
Kingsley Suamataia needs to be taken into consideration if Detroit wishes to get rid of Decker this summer. As a prospect, Suamataia is similar to Decker in that he typically completes tasks on time and depends on excellent equipment to succeed.”
