Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has seven picks, including two third-round picks, and is expected to improve the defense this April (April 25-27). Here is my second 2024 seven-round mock draft for the Lions.
Round 1, Pick 13 (via trade with Las Vegas Raiders) – CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
The Lions begin the 2024 draft by trading up from the No. 29 overall pick to obtain their No. 1 cornerback. In this scenario, Holmes also trades Detroit’s first-of-two third-round picks (73rd overall) to acquire this pick.
Arnold, who played three seasons for the Crimson Tide (redshirted in 2021), possesses all of the physical tools to be a top-tier cornerback at the next level. In 2023, he had an excellent stat line with five interceptions, 17 passes defensed, a forced fumble, a sack, and 63 total stops, including 6.5 for loss. Additionally, in 471 coverage snaps last season, he allowed a passer rating of only 50.7. He was also an excellent run defender, earning a 90.6 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
For his efforts, he received first-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press and an overall score of 88.4 from PFF. I have no doubt that he would have an immediate impact on Detroit’s secondary.
Round 2, Pick 61 – EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
The local product – who grew up in Grand Rapid, Mich. – has seen his stock rise recently (and for good reason).
Throughout his five seasons with the Broncos, the Senior Bowl standout was a highly effective run defender as well as a persistent, adept pass rusher. Kneeland demonstrated the ability to line up at several positions (including EDGE and downhill linebacker) and play every down while at Western Michigan.
During his final season at Kalamazoo, the 6-foot-3, 275-pounder recorded 57 total stops, including 7.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Kneeland, in my opinion, would make an excellent EDGE counterpart to Aidan Hutchinson. Round 3: Pick 92 – DT Braden Fiske of Florida State I’ve been intrigued with Fiske, a high-motor, ferocious interior defensive lineman, throughout this mock draft season.
During his NCAA career, which began at Western Michigan, he established himself as an effective run-stopper and pass-rusher. He redshirted in 2018, then spent four seasons with the Broncos (2019-2022) before transferring to Florida State for his final season. In his only season with the Seminoles, the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder recorded 43 total tackles, nine for loss, and six sacks. I believe Fiske would complement Alim McNeill on the interior of Detroit’s defensive line.
Johnson may not make an immediate impact at the next level, but he appears to have the physical tools (6-foot-3, 208 pounds) to develop into an NFL-caliber receiver. He has 47 receptions for 604 yards and a touchdown in his final season with the Wolverines. Johnson could potentially replace fellow former Michigan wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones on Detroit’s roster in 2024, then gradually develop into a more-than-capable No. 4 receiver. At this point in the draft, it’s difficult to expect much more than that level of output from a wide receiver. Round 6, Pick 206 (OT) Ethan Driskell and Marshall
