THE OFFICIAL KECK THOUGHTS 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT

 Hello readers,

As you may know, the last few years I typically write a series of blog posts running some mock draft simulations for the Detroit Lions, experimenting to see what players may or may not be available to them in various scenarios. I've always found it to be an educational exercise to learn about that year's draft class. It's usually one of my favorite things to do in the lead-up to the NFL Draft.

Regrettably, for the second year in a row I did not have the time to do any of those simulation posts, but I do have a little bit of time to knock out a mock draft. This year might be more unpredictable than last year (which I thought at the time would be relatively unpredictable and then ended up doing pretty well making correct picks). 

The only sure-fire pick is what Las Vegas is going to do with the first overall pick. After that? Lots of questions. 

Let's get right to it. Here is the Official Keck Thoughts 2026 NFL Mock Draft! 

As always these are my predictions for where I think teams will pick players. I'm typically leery of projecting trades because they're so unpredictable, but I might predict a handful if I feel relatively confident in them

Last year I hit correctly on 11 players and the team that drafted them, though a couple were in different spots than I predicted. I'm guessing I won't do as well this year, but this is for entertainment. Let's see what happens!

KECK THOUGHTS 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT 

#1.) Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

This pick has been set in stone for months.

#2.) New York Jets - Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

This pick is essentially considered a coin flip between Reese and Texas Tech's David Bailey. I'm leaning Reese.

#3.) Arizona Cardinals - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Lot of smoke surrounding the Cardinals and their love of Love, but beat writers think it will be David Bailey, while other mock drafters are saying they could go offensive line. I would typically think that 3rd overall is high for a running back and I bet Arizona would love to trade back to accumulate some picks to help them later trade back into the first round to take Alabama QB Ty Simpson, but my guess is no one pays the asking price.

#4.) Tennessee Titans - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

If Love makes it past Arizona, he could very well go here. In this mock, Love isn't available, so I'm leaning towards Robert Saleh taking his next Fred Warner instead of taking his next Nick Bosa.

#5.) Dallas Cowboys (projected trade with NY Giants) - David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Total guess here but I get the feeling that if Bailey slips this far someone will trade up for him, and I think Dallas has a pretty big need to fill at edge after trading away Micah Parsons.

#6.) Kansas City Chiefs (projected trade with Cleveland) - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Cleveland is generally believed to desire a trade down, and I don't think Kansas City expects to be drafting this high again for a few years, so I anticipate them trading up to jump Washington and ensure they get the new weapon for Patrick Mahomes they want. If not Tate, potentially Tyson.

#7.) Washington Commanders - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

If Caleb Downs or Carnell Tate were available at this spot I think it'll be one of them. But in this mock neither is on the board, so Washington goes with the top CB in the class.

#8.) New Orleans Saints - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

New Orleans seems to be a wild card in this draft, with the possibility of them trading up or down and causing havoc on mock drafts. I think the way this board has played out they stick and pick a receiving weapon to go along with Chris Olave. Saints beat writers are also connecting Tyson to New Orleans, which is good enough for me.

#9.) Cleveland Browns (projected trade with Kansas City) - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Generally regarded that Cleveland will be drafting an offensive tackle in the first round, so while this could very well be Francis Mauigoa, Monroe Freeling, or Kadyn Proctor, I'm guessing they go with the young, high-upside Fano.

#10.) New York Giants - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Giants miss on guys like Love and Tyson, but I think John Harbaugh is happy to settle for a future lynchpin of his defense.

#11.) Miami Dolphins - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

There's a belief Miami will focus on the trenches, and I think they luck out a little with Mauigoa's herniated disc letting him slip to them. The Hurricane product stays in South Florida.

#12.) New York Giants (projected trade with Dallas) - Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

The upside to New York trading down earlier in this round was that I could see them taking Ioane at 10th-overall, but instead they can snag him at 12 just ahead of Baltimore, letting Harbaugh stick it to his old team.

#13.) Los Angeles Rams - Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Seems to be a rather consensus pick, and one I think makes some sense considering everything going on with Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams not getting younger and his contract nearing its end. I could see LA going offensive tackle, too.

#14.) Detroit Lions (projected trade with Baltimore) - Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami (FL)

This is admittedly a late projection on my part, but let me explain my thinking. The consensus is that Detroit will draft an offensive tackle, but I'm not entirely sure Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell think it's such an immediate need that they need to draft one in the first round. Holmes in particular has been talking about Larry Borom, whom they signed in free agency, as if they expect him to be their starting right tackle. So while I can absolutely see Detroit drafting a Monroe Freeling or Blake Miller or, yes, Kadyn Proctor (whom I very much do not want the Lions to draft), I can't help shake the feeling that Detroit might finally address their long-standing need at pass rusher.

Then there's the smokescreen I think Brad Holmes has been sending out. There are way too many reporters and insiders saying Detroit loves Proctor, including NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah saying Detroit is Proctor's floor. In all the years that Brad Holmes has been the Lions' general manager, when have there EVER been leaks of this kind saying precisely who Detroit loves or has their eye on? Never. With the exception of Aidan Hutchinson in 2022, I would say every single one of Brad Holmes' first round picks has been a relative surprise. And half the time Holmes makes trades to move around the first round. I do not believe Detroit will stick and pick at 17.

All that to say...I've seen some Lions writers/fans opine that perhaps Auburn edge Keldric Faulk might be the player Detroit targets. And perhaps he is. But if Rueben Bain Jr. falls out of the Top 10...I think Holmes pounces. Bain would be precisely what Detroit needs to pair with Hutchinson. And not unlike my above blurb about the Kansas City Chiefs, I don't think Detroit expects to be drafting this low again anytime soon.

Other players I can see Detroit drafting: Georgia OT Monroe Freeling, Clemson OT Blake Miller, Auburn edge Keldric Faulk, Oregon S Dillon Thieneman, Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

#15.) Philadelphia Eagles (projected trade with Tampa Bay) - Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

By most accounts the Eagles will target a tackle, and I would not be surprised to see Howie Roseman make a move up to get the guy he really wants.

#16.) New York Jets - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Jets are connected to various different pass catchers. Taking a wild stab that it will be Boston.

#17.) Baltimore Ravens (projected trade with Detroit) - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

After missing out on other top players, Baltimore happily trades back and snatches up one of the top talents in the draft who falls to them. A tale as old as time.

#18.) Minnesota Vikings - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Minnesota has a lot of needs, and one of them is to get Harrison Smith's heir. If this comes to pass it could dog the Lions and the rest of the NFC North for years.

#19.) Carolina Panthers - Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion is name I've seen linked here a bunch, as well as Thieneman (who's gone in this mock), but Freeling feels like a sensible fit and could be Bryce Young's blind-side blocker for a long time to come. 

#20.) Dallas Cowboys - Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

I already mocked an edge rusher to Dallas earlier, and while there's a potential they could double-dip, Rodriguez feels like a high-upside pick to add to Dallas' talent-needy defense. This could be Dallas's Jack Campbell pick.

#21.) Pittsburgh Steelers - Omar Cooper, Jr., WR, Indiana

Steelers have been connected to receivers, and Cooper seems like a good fit. I could also see Pittsburgh going with a tackle like Blake Miller.

#22.) Los Angeles Chargers - TJ Parker, edge, Clemson

Parker feels like a Jim Harbaugh pick, and LA needs edge rush help.

#23.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (projected trade with Philadelphia) - Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami (FL)

Buccaneers trade back and still get their guy.

#24.) Cleveland Browns - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

#25.) Chicago Bears - Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

Ben Johnson gets his pocket crusher.

#26.) Buffalo Bills - Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M

#27.) San Francisco 49ers - Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Talented tackle who can kick inside to start his career as a guard for the Niners.

#28.) Houston Texans - Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

#29.) Kansas City Chiefs - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Chiefs benefit from arguably the top CB falling due to an ACL injury.

#30.) Miami Dolphins - Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Feel like Miami will take a CB here, so this is a coin flip between Johnson and Colton Hood to me.

#31.) New England Patriots - Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF

Patriots have been connected often to Lawrence, but there's also a belief they could take a tackle and there's two good ones left on the board here in Blake Miller and Max Iheanachor. 

#32.) Seattle Seahawks - Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

One of these last picks in the first round will quite possibly be a spot where a team trades up for Alabama QB Ty Simpson, especially if a team wants to lock in the 5th-year option on Simpson's rookie contract. But the Seahawks just lost a stud RB who won Super Bowl MVP, and while Zach Charbonnet is a solid RB, I don't think Mike Macdonald will want to go into the season with him as RB1.

And there we have it! Posted this one hour before the draft starts, so let's see how this all turns out!

Again I apologize there was no Mocking the Detroit Lions NFL Draft series for a second year in a row. hopefully it returns next year. As for now, thanks for checking out the Keck Thoughts Official 2026 NFL Mock Draft. And enjoy the draft!

THE OFFICIAL KECK THOUGHTS 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT

Hello readers,

As you may know, the last few years I typically write a series of blog posts running some mock draft simulations for the Detroit Lions, experimenting to see what players may or may not be available to them in various scenarios. I've always found it to be an educational exercise to learn about that year's draft class. It's usually one of my favorite things to do in the lead-up to the NFL Draft.

Regrettably, I did not have the time to do any of those simulation posts this year, but I do have a little bit of time to knock out a mock draft. And naturally this is one of the most unpredictable years in a while because of the draft pool. Past the first four or five picks (which seem to be pretty set in stone), the draft truly gets interesting starting with the 5th pick that Jacksonville holds as of this writing.

Let's get right to it. Here is the Official Keck Thoughts 2025 NFL Mock Draft! 

As always these are my predictions for where I think teams will pick players. I'm typically leery of projecting trades because they're so unpredictable, but I'm going to do one or two this time because I feel pretty strongly about them.

Last year I hit on 8 picks, mainly in the Top 12. I'm guessing I won't do as well this year, but this is for entertainment. Let's see what happens!

KECK THOUGHTS 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT 

#1.) Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

This pick has been pretty well known for weeks, so no mystery here for Tennessee.

#2.) Cleveland Browns - Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

There's some buzz about Jacksonville or another team trying to trade up to this spot so they can get the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, but I don't see Cleveland making that deal.

#3.) New York Giants - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

I don't see New York taking a QB this early. But I do feel they'll take a QB in the first round...

#4.) New England Patriots - Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Certainly seems like all the wind is blowing in this direction. I suppose there's a chance New England could opt for Armand Membou instead, but too much smoke connecting Campbell here.

#5.) Jacksonville Jaguars - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Lot of chatter in the lead-up to tonight about Jacksonville either trading up for Travis Hunter, or potentially down with Chicago so the Bears can take Jeanty. I'm of the mind that in the end they stay put and take the talented RB for themselves.

#6.) Las Vegas Raiders - Kelvin Banks, Jr., OT, Texas

Banks is a prospect whose stock has steadily risen the last month or so, and for good reason. I would've been very happy if he landed in Detroit. Instead it seems as though he'll be a Top 10 pick. With Jeanty off the board, makes sense for Vegas to bolster their offensive line.

#7.) New York Jets - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

New York could go in many different directions. Penn State TE Tyler Warren is heavily connected to them. Michigan DT Mason Graham is on the board. Georgia LB Jalon Walker would be a nice addition to new head coach Aaron Glenn's defense. But I think Glenn takes a lesson learned from his time in Detroit and invests in the offensive line. Membou is no Penei Sewell, but with Justin Fields at QB now, the Jets need to fortify their o-line.

#8.) Indianapolis Colts (projected trade with Carolina) - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Carolina is reportedly one of many teams looking to trade back if they can, and I can see Indianapolis getting jumpy and wanting to ensure they get the tight end they badly need, so I'm projecting a trade where the Colts jump the Bears for Warren.

#9.) New Orleans Saints - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Another player whose stock has risen the last few weeks. New Orleans needs as QB but this is too early for Shadeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart. I could see the Saints going with Jalon Walker here, but New Orleans has a long-term need for a true defensive end.

#10.) Chicago Bears - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Ben Johnson misses out on Tyler Warren but stills lands a top-notch tight end for an offense that uses the tight end quite a bit.

#11.) San Francisco 49ers - Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Niners would be sitting pretty in this scenario with defensive players like Jalon Walker, Mason Graham, Shemart Stewart, and Nolen for the picking. I'm betting they place a bet on the high-ceiling Rebel.

#12.) Dallas Cowboys - Tet McMillan, WR, Arizona

Lot of smoke about Dallas wanting another play-maker to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Between McMillan and Texas's Matthew Golden, I lean towards the X-receiver.

#13.) Miami Dolphins - Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Jalon Walker still on the board in this scenario, but there's a hole at DT that Miami needs to fill.

#14.) Carolina Panthers (projected trade with Indianapolis) - Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Carolina gets their guy even after trading back.

#15.) Atlanta Falcons - James Pearce, Jr., Edge, Tennessee

Reportedly the same source who leaked Atlanta's interest in Michael Penix last year is saying Pearce is their guy this year. With a big need at pass rushing, this pick would make sense.

#16.) Arizona Cardinals - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Lot of buzz that Campbell could fall because of injury issues, but I think he's too talented to fall too far. In fact I don't think he falls at all.

#17.) Cincinnati Bengals - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Bengals could go in a lot of directions. Guessing they go with the higher-value pass rusher over a cornerback or safety.

#18.) Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

For a long time the buzz was Seattle was locked on Zabel or Tet McMillan. With McMillan gone in this scenario, that leaves Zabel.

#19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

At this juncture I'm going to skip an explanation for some teams for expediency.

#20.) Denver Broncos - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Total toss-up but definitely feels like Denver goes offense.

#21.) Pittsburgh Steelers - Shadeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Feels like this is the right landing spot for Sanders, all things considered. I almost projected a trade with the Lions here, but held off...

#22.) Detroit Lions (projected trade with LA Chargers) - Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Because I feel in my bones that Detroit will trade up to take their guy and while there are good options like Shemart Stewart, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Will Johnson, Tyler Booker, and Kenneth Grant still available, I don't think Brad Holmes can sit at 28 and expect the guy he wants to fall to him. Whereas I do think Jim Harbaugh can trade back to 28 and get a guy he likes.

#23.) Green Bay Packers - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

#24.) Minnesota Vikings - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

#25.) Houston Texans - Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama

I won't be surprised if Houston trades up from this spot tonight.

#26.) New York Giants (projected trade with LA Rams) - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Not sure the Rams will feel they need to take a player at this spot, and I do think New York will try to trade back into the end of the first round to get Dart. This marriage makes sense. (For what it's worth, while I believe it's more likely Detroit trades up, I can also see a scenario where they trade back with New York if they can't make a move up.)

#27.) Baltimore Ravens - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Just seems like the kind of perfect fit who falls to the Ravens.

#28.) Los Angeles Chargers (projected trade with Detroit) - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Harbaugh trades back and still gets his guy.

#29.) Washington Commanders - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College 

#30.) Buffalo Bills - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

#31.) Kansas City Chiefs - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

As we saw in the Super Bowl and most of last season, the Chiefs badly need to upgrade long-term at offensive tackle.

#32.) Philadelphia Eagles - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

If Ezeiruaku was still available and Stewart was off the board, I could see Ezeiruaku here instead. 

Once again I apologize there was no Mocking the Detroit Lions NFL Draft series this year, I fully intend to return to it next year. As for now, thanks for checking out the Keck Thoughts Official 2025 NFL Mock Draft. And enjoy the draft!

THE OFFICIAL KECK THOUGHTS 2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT

Getting it in right under the wire so I didn't have time to do full write-ups for my thinking behind various picks, but here is the Official Keck Thoughts 2024 Mock Draft! 

As always these are my predictions for where I think teams will pick players. I don't typically project trades, but for a second straight year I will. I'm sure there will be more trades than I have projected, but these are ones I felt made the most sense. 

I did better in 2022 than I did in 2023 with correctly predicting players to teams, but last year I still had about 5 or 6 correct. Hoping to do better this year, but we'll see!

KECK THOUGHTS 2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT 

#1.) Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams, QB, USC

#2.) Washington Commanders - Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

#3.) New England Patriots - Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

#4.) Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

#5.) Los Angeles Chargers - JC Latham, OT, Alabama

#6.) New York Giants - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

#7.) Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

#8.) Minnesota Vikings (trade with Atlanta) - J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

#9.) Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

#10.) New York Jets - Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

#11.) Atlanta Falcons (trade with Minnesota) – Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

#12.) Denver Broncos - Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

#13.) Oakland Raiders - Michael Penix, Jr., QB, Washington

#14.) New Orleans Saints - Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

#15.) Indianapolis Colts - Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

#16.) Philadelphia Eagles (trade with Seattle) - Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

#17.) Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

#18.) Cincinnati Bengals - Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

#19.) Los Angeles Rams - Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

#20.) Pittsburgh Steelers - Graham Barton, OT, Duke

#21.) Miami Dolphins - Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

#22.) Seattle Seahawks - Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

#23.) Detroit Lions (trade with Minnesota) - Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

#24.) Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

#25.) Green Bay Packers - Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

#26.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

#27.) Arizona Cardinals - Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

#28.) Buffalo Bills - Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

#29.) Minnesota Vikings (trade with Detroit) - Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama 

#30.) Baltimore Ravens - Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

#31.) San Francisco 49ers - Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

#32.) Kansas City Chiefs - Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Hope you've enjoyed the Mocking the Detroit Lions 2024 Draft series and this, the Keck Thoughts Official 2024 NFL Mock Draft. And enjoy the draft!

MOCKING THE DETROIT LIONS' 2024 NFL DRAFT: TRADE DOWN SCENARIO

We are just one day away from the 2024 NFL Draft, and we are at the end of our Mocking the Detroit Lions' 2024 NFL Draft series here at Keck Thoughts.

In our previous scenario we explored a potential trade up in Round 1. This time we're going to try to trade down likely out of the first round and see how our draft plays out.

Per usual, an explanation for how I typically handle mock draft simulations for these posts:

• I try to think along the lines of Lions GM Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell...but ultimately I'll be making a lot of picks with what I think just makes sense given the circumstances.

• Due to the nature of mock draft simulators being an algorithm and subject to randomness, we must keep in mind that some players may fall in these simulations and be available to me when they probably won't be available for Detroit in real life. Each site also has their own rankings for the players in the draft, so there will be some variance in that alone. This time I opted for Pro Football Network's because I prefer how their draft simulator actually calls you with trade offers, whereas Pro Football Focus' does not.

As I always mention, this is more of a thought exercise to see who the Lions might have available to them and who they might draft in reality. Three years I did three different exercises, three different scenarios, and at various points in those exercises I had Detroit draft Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeil, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, all of whom Detroit actually did draft that year. Last year I also had Hendon Hooker and Jahmyr Gibbs to the Lions at various points. So again, that's the kind of thing we're talking about here. 

The draft results are right below this sentence if you just want to take a glance at the actual picks, and after the jump/below the picks is a full recap and breakdown of the simulation and my thinking behind each pick. Enjoy!

DETROIT LIONS MOCK DRAFT SCENARIO: Post-Free Agency Edition

Team Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Line, Interior Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Safety, Offensive Tackle, Place Kicker, Tight End, Linebacker, Quarterback, Running Back

DRAFT RESULTS

MOCKING THE DETROIT LIONS' 2024 NFL DRAFT: TRADE UP SCENARIO

We are just 8 days away from the 2024 NFL Draft, so let's keep it going with another entry in our Mocking the Detroit Lions' 2024 NFL Draft series here at Keck Thoughts.

In our last scenario we didn't move off of any of Detroit's actual draft positions. This time in an effort to experiment with possible scenarios and to keep learning about other players, we're going to try to trade up in the first round and see how our draft plays out.

Per usual, an explanation for how I typically handle mock draft simulations for these posts:

• I try to think along the lines of Lions GM Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell...but ultimately I'll be making a lot of picks with what I think just makes sense given the circumstances.

• Due to the nature of mock draft simulators being an algorithm and subject to randomness, we must keep in mind that some players may fall in these simulations and be available to me when they probably won't be available for Detroit in real life. Each site also has their own rankings for the players in the draft, so there will be some variance in that alone. This time I opted for Pro Football Focus' draft simulator to change things up and because they now allow you to change the slider on which draft board you want to go off of.

As I always mention, this is more of a thought exercise to see who the Lions might have available to them and who they might draft in reality. Three years I did three different exercises, three different scenarios, and at various points in those exercises I had Detroit draft Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeil, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, all of whom Detroit actually did draft that year. Last year I also had Hendon Hooker and Jahmyr Gibbs to the Lions at various points. So again, that's the kind of thing we're talking about here. 

The draft results are right below this sentence if you just want to take a glance at the actual picks, and after the jump/below the picks is a full recap and breakdown of the simulation and my thinking behind each pick. Enjoy!

DETROIT LIONS MOCK DRAFT SCENARIO: Post-Free Agency Edition

Team Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Line, Interior Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Safety, Offensive Tackle, Place Kicker, Tight End, Linebacker, Quarterback, Running Back

DRAFT RESULTS

MOCKING THE DETROIT LIONS' 2024 NFL DRAFT: POST-FREE AGENCY EDITION

The pre-draft season continues, and so does our Mocking the Detroit Lions' 2024 NFL Draft series here at Keck Thoughts.

The Lions have had a moderately active offseason and General Manager Brad Holmes has done a nice job of addressing the biggest needs the Lions had entering March. The secondary has been bolstered with the trade for Carlton Davis and the signing of Amik Robertson, the defensive line has added the talents of D.J. Reader and Marcus Davenport, and the offensive line has been solidified with the re-signing of Graham Glasgow and the signing of Kevin Zeitler. If you notice, those were positions one, two, and three on my Team Needs list.

There's still some work to be done and plenty of quality, veteran free agents are still available. The secondary in particular will need more attention following the release of Cameron Sutton following his arrest warrant for domestic violence.

But Holmes has done such a good job with signings and trades so far that he has positioned himself to draft best player available with every pick. (To be honest that's Holmes' M.O. anyway, but he really made sure he could do what he wants in April.)

Per usual, an explanation for how I typically handle mock draft simulations for these posts:

• I try to think along the lines of Lions GM Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell...but ultimately I'll be making a lot of picks with what I think just makes sense given the circumstances.

• Due to the nature of mock draft simulators being an algorithm and subject to randomness, we must keep in mind that some players may fall in these simulations and be available to me when they probably won't be available for Detroit in real life. Each site also has their own rankings for the players in the draft, so there will be some variance in that alone. In this particular exercise I used Pro Football Network's simulator because that's what we used in the previous exercise and I wanted a little consistency between this one and the last one.

And as I always mention, this is more of a thought exercise to see who the Lions might have available to them and who they might draft in reality. Three years I did three different exercises, three different scenarios, and at various points in those exercises I had Detroit draft Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeil, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, all of whom Detroit actually did draft that year. Last year I also had Hendon Hooker and Jahmyr Gibbs to the Lions at various points. So again, that's the kind of thing we're talking about here. 

The draft results are right below this sentence if you just want to take a glance at the actual picks, and after the jump/below the picks is a full recap and breakdown of the simulation and my thinking behind each pick. Enjoy!

DETROIT LIONS MOCK DRAFT SCENARIO: Post-Free Agency Edition

Team Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Line, Interior Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Safety, Offensive Tackle, Place Kicker, Tight End, Linebacker, Quarterback, Running Back

DRAFT RESULTS

MOCKING THE DETROIT LIONS' 2024 NFL DRAFT: PRE-FREE AGENCY EDITION

Annnnnnd we're back! Welcome back to another NFL Draft season here at Keck Thoughts. Getting started a little later than we did last year, but I wanted to get this first exercise done and posted before NFL free agency kicks off.

As usual, some explanation for how I typically handle mock draft simulations for these posts:

• I try to think along the lines of Lions GM Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell...but ultimately I'll be making a lot of picks with what I think just makes sense given the circumstances.

• Due to the nature of mock draft simulators being an algorithm and subject to randomness, we must keep in mind that some players may fall in these simulations and be available to me when they probably won't be available for Detroit in real life. Each site also has their own rankings for the players in the draft, so there will be some variance in that alone. In this particular exercise I used Pro Football Network's simulator in large part because Pro Football Focus has seemingly gotten rid of the ability to switch between their simulator using their own rankings and their users' rankings, and currently a lot of PFF's rankings just don't jive with reality (i.e. LSU QB Jayden Daniels always seeming to be available at pick 29).

• I've compiled my personal priority list for what I think Detroit's needs are this offseason, but the more we see how Brad Holmes drafts the more we see he leans more towards who the best player on his board is, oftentimes with disregard for perceived team needs. So we won't be beholden to drafting for needs over best player available.

And as I always mention, this is more of a thought exercise to see who the Lions might have available to them and who they might draft in reality. Three years I did three different exercises, three different scenarios, and at various points in those exercises I had Detroit draft Levi Onwuzurike, Alim McNeil, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, all of whom Detroit actually did draft that year. Last year I also had Hendon Hooker and Jahmyr Gibbs to the Lions at various points. So again, that's the kind of thing I'm talking about here. 

Without further ado, the draft results are right below this sentence if you just want to take a glance at the actual picks, and after the jump/below the picks is a full recap and breakdown of the simulation and my thinking behind each pick. Enjoy!

DETROIT LIONS MOCK DRAFT SCENARIO: Pre-Free Agency Edition

Team Needs: Cornerback, Defensive Line, Interior Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Safety, Offensive Tackle, Place Kicker, Tight End, Linebacker, Quarterback, Running Back

DRAFT RESULTS