Many mock draft experts expect the Detroit Lions to select an edge rusher in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. However, The Athletic’s Ben Standig expected the Lions to take one of the top edge rushers in the class, Alabama’s Chris Braswell, after not selecting in the first round at all.
Standig’s mock draft, issued on March 25, showed the Lions trading back from No. 29 overall to No. 44. Even 15 selections later, Standig chose Braswell for the Lions in the second round.
“Trading for Carlton Davis aided the cornerback room,” said The Athletic’s senior NFL writer. “Now comes a tag-team partner for Aidan Hutchinson.”
According to ESPN and Pro Football Focus, Braswell is the fourth-best edge rushing prospect in the 2024 draft class. A trade back would also provide the Lions with greater draft cash.
Standig requested that the Lions trade back 15 positions for the No. 112 pick and a 2025 third-rounder with second-round potential.
With a new edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson and two additional key draft picks, it’s difficult to imagine a better trade back scenario for the Lions.
How Alabama’s Chris Braswell Could Fit With the Lions
In 2023, the Lions had a decent pass rush. However, this was mostly due to Hutchinson, who finished second in the NFL in pressures last season.
Hutchinson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill were the only Lions defenders to have more than three sacks last season. Overall, Detroit ranked 23rd in sacks with 41.
As a result, even after signing Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader, the Lions are a viable option for any of the top edge rushers in the 2024 draft. ESPN and PFF rank Braswell as the No. 4 edge rusher in the 2024 draft, as well as a top 41 overall player. So, if the Lions drafted Braswell at No. 44 in the second round, he would provide value to the club.
Other scouts, however, do not rate Braswell as highly.
According to Bleacher Report’s overall draft rankings, he is the No. 70 talent in the 2024 class. Braswell was assessed by NFL.com as a guy who “will eventually be an average starter.”
“Edge defender with good size and length but limited playing time over his four years at Alabama,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote. “Braswell might have a ceiling as a good 3-4 backup or average designated pass rusher with core special teams value.”
Could the Lions Trade Back Out of the First Round in the 2024 NFL Draft?
