With the NFL Draft set to kick off tonight, now is the perfect time to deliver our final Detroit Lions mock draft for 2024.
For the first time in a decade, the Lions will be picking towards the end of each round in this year’s event. Last season was a magic carpet ride as the team won 12 games for just the second time in team history and nearly reached their first Super Bowl earlier this year. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal was not achieved and the draft could improve those chances.
Related:Â 2024 NFL mock draft
For the Lions in 2024, landing nice pieces to place around their core talent and can contribute right away will be the goal for the team this week. Let’s first look at what picks they have in this year’s event and their needs before getting into our final Detroit Lions mock draft.
Detroit Lions draft picks 2024
Here are the Detroit Lions draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- First round, 29th overall
- Second round, 61st overall
- Third round, 73rd overall
- Fifth round, 106th overall
- Sixth round, 201st overall
- Sixth round, 205th overall
- Seventh round, 249th overall
Detroit Lions team needs 2024
- Cornerback
- EDGE
- Offensive line
- Wide receiver
Related: Detroit Lions standing in Sportsnaut’s offseason NFL power rankings
Detroit Lions Mock Draft 2024
First round, 29th pick: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Lions already have an elite offense, which is why defense will be a priority in Round 1, and improving their secondary will be the main goal. While they may not be able to land the top cornerbacks in this year’s class, look for them to take Alabama star Kool-Aid McKinstry, a player who could make an immediate impact in year one.
McKinstry was shockingly a starter in year one for the Crimson and has been succeeding against elite competition in the SEC for years. No player in this year’s class is smarter at their position, he has good size, is strong in man-to-man or in the zone, but most importantly has a nose for the ball. McKinstry would be a steal if they can get him at pick 29 in Round 1 or potentially trade up a few spots.
Second round, 61st overall: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Detroit could land another steal in Round 2 with Florida Gators star Ricky Pearsall. The 6-foot-1 pass catcher could fall to the Lions at pick 61 due to a belief that he is unlikely to become a WR1 in the NFL. However, his potential as a slot receiver in the league is immense, and more secondary weapons for quarterback Jared Goff would be great as they pursue a championship in 2024.
Pearsall is a great route runner, is quick and elusive, and has good hands. He is the type of player who can be slotted in (Yes, we went there) and be a difference-maker in his rookie season.
Related: Ranking the 10-best running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Third round, 73rd overall: OG Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
You can never have enough offensive line depth, and with so much resting on the arm of Goff, in our final 2024 Detroit Lions mock draft we see the team taking Kansas State veteran guard Cooper Beebe in Round 3. The 6-foot-4, 335-pounder is a high IQ player who is experienced and versatile. What makes him a rock-solid pick is that he has very strong fundamentals and could be a reliable starter on the interior for years.
Related: Top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft
Detroit Lions 7-round Mock Draft 2024
- First round, 29th overall: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
- Second round, 61st overall: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
- Third round, 73rd overall: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
- Fifth round, 106th overall: Brennan Jackson, EDGE, Washington State
- Sixth round, 201st overall: Jowon Briggs, DT, Cincinnati
- Sixth round, 205th overall: Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas
- Seventh round, 249th overall: Dylan McMahon, C, NC State
