Draft preview: The Lions enter the draft with picks 29, 61, 73, 164, 201, 205, and 249. Brad Holmes has been active in trading up and down in his previous drafts. But this year, they don’t really have the extra capital to help them move up. And since they have a pretty solid roster without many holes, trading back for extra picks might not make much sense either. If they stand pat, you would hope they can get contributors with those first three picks, and I believe there are four positions that you could make a case as a need as I will spell out below – receiver, offensive line, edge rusher, and cornerback. Holmes profiles as a best available player type of general manager so we can’t rule anything out.

QB: It’s hard to see a scenario where the Lions draft a quarterback. With QB Jared Goff in place as the starter and using a 3^rd rounder on QB Hendon Hooker last year, they would appear to be set. They could add a veteran later in the summer if Hooker doesn’t develop into a trustworthy backup. They did bring QB Nate Sudfeld back on a 1 year deal after he spent last year on Detroit’s IR list. You could see the Lions get offers at 29 if one of the quarterbacks slides to the end of the round and someone wants to move up for the benefit of that 5^th year option.

RB: Brad Holmes showed last year he is not afraid to draft a running back high. It won’t be necessary to do that again this year with the Gibbs/Montgomery combo returning intact. Perhaps they could draft one in the late rounds to compete for a spot on the depth chart. There are several productive talented college running backs from big schools that project as late round picks.

WR/TE: Wide receiver could be a sneaky position of need for Detroit. WR Josh Reynolds left in free agency. As of today the top three receivers on the roster are WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR Jameson Williams, and WR Kalif Raymond. There isn’t much proven depth behind them. You could make a case for drafting a receiver early, especially if they could find a big body outside type of receiver. Looking at the receiver prospects that could fit that description and be available, maybe Adonai Mitchell of Texas or Keon Coleman of Florida State would fit. One other note, the 49ers tried to steal TE Brock Wright from the Lions, signing the restricted free agent to an offer sheet. The Lions matched, so Wright stays, and you can scratch blocking tight end off of the list of needs for the draft. There was some talk about Brock Bowers stock slipping a bit. I suppose the Lions would consider him if he falls toward the end of round 1. They could use him and TE Sam LaPorta creatively enough in two tight end formations.

OL: The Lions are in good shape with their offensive line for now, but there are some long term concerns as both of the projected starting guards are over 30, and soon to be 28 year old center Frank Ragnow has battled many injuries and might not play too much longer. An interior lineman at 29 could be a smart move. A developmental backup tackle could also be a need for the middle rounds.

DL: The Lions always seem to need help with the edge rusher position. Chop Robinson of Penn State would be a nice fit if he makes it to 29. You could also make a case for drafting a defensive tackle at some point in this draft, maybe Jer’Zhan Newton of Illinois in round 1.

LB: I think the Lions are happy with that they have right now at the off ball linebacker spots as they have guys who can fill different roles and play special teams.

DB: The Lions are rebuilding their cornerback position this offseason, and there is definitely room to add one in the draft, potentially even in round 1. Maybe Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama or Ennis Rakestraw of Missouri. A backup safety is also something they could look for.

PK: I mention kicker here because it would not be a surprise to see the Lions use a late pick on a kicker to compete for the job. Or they could try to sign this guy from the Michigan UFL team who recently made a 64 and 62 yard field goal in back to back weeks at Ford Field.

That’s it for now. Next month we will review the draft.

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