Saturday’s Senior Bowl concluded the postseason all-star circuit, providing an excellent opportunity to present another draft projection for the Detroit Lions.
Like all mock drafts prior to the NFL Scouting Combine and pro day circuit, these forecasts aim to identify players that seem to align with what the Lions seek in talent and where the team may wish to address various gaps on the roster. These are situations to contemplate rather than foretell, although I wouldn’t be shocked if a few of these take place during April’s draft.
The initial mock draft scenario is available here.
First selection: Walter Nolen, defensive tackle, Ole Miss
Should Nolen still be available when the Lions select at No. 28—and that’s a significant “if”—he appears to be an ideal match for what Detroit seeks in a relentless interior defensive lineman. He’s fast, he’s elusive off blocks, and he approaches every snap as if it’s the final one of his career. Nolen represents an enhanced version of what the Lions envisioned for Josh Paschal as a robust DE, yet he is also fully capable of playing extensively on the inside.
Second round: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
One of my personal favorites, Gillotte is a name that Lions fans ought to recognize. He’s a clear “crush the can” EDGE with exceptional lower-body power to hold firm against the run, while also possessing a variety of pass-rush techniques to shed the block and reach the quarterback. His 2024 game footage from Louisville certainly resembles what the Lions envisioned from Marcus Davenport alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Powerful rusher with genuine closing speed in the backfield.
Third round: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
The Lions genuinely require a sizable wide receiver who can operate in the seams and intermediate range, particularly since Tim Patrick is a free agent. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Higgins certainly qualifies with his physicality, reach, and long-striding speed. His hands are flawless—4 drops on nearly 300 college targets, many of which involve contested catches. Moreover, a capable and eager blocker, which the Lions utilize as a screening criterion for wide receivers.
This is the compensatory selection for losing coach Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets. The compensation picks won’t be officially granted until later in the offseason. It will be the final pick of the third round, probably No. 101 or 102 in total. The Lions exchanged their third-round selection to draft Giovanni Manu in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Fourth round: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
It’s challenging to resist the inclination to avoid showcasing Cal CB Nohl Williams here, yet it’s time to switch things up. Opting for a disruptive interior presence such as Peebles, combined with Nolen in the initial round, transforms the turbulent depth chart at defensive tackle with a significant boost in athleticism and speed.
With multiple 2024 Lions entering free agency along the defensive line, it makes sense to transfer the draft-day double selection from the offensive line last draft (Giovanni Manu, Christian Mahogany) to the defensive side. Peebles is capable of playing anywhere from the 3-tech to the 7-tech in any defensive formation that new coordinator Kelvin Sheppard wants to implement.
Sixth round: Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, OT, Oregon State
A standout at the Shrine Bowl, Christian-Lichtenhan is among the tallest prospects in this draft class. He measures 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 330 pounds. His playing style is better suited for guard, yet his dimensions indicate tackle–similar to Lions extra tackle Dan Skipper. Christian-Lichtenhan enhanced his performance after moving to Oregon State from Colorado, demonstrating adaptability in his approach.
The footwork and balance displayed by Christian-Lichtenhan at his height is a quality Lions OL coach Hank Fraley can develop as a possible upgrade or substitute for Connor Galvin, Colby Sorsdal, and/or Kayode Awosika. The Lions evidently desire the reach he possesses, and Christian Lichtenhan’s skill to reset and recover in pass protection shows great potential.
Seventh round (2 picks)
Jack Kiser, linebacker, Notre Dame
Marcus Yarns, running back, Delaware
Kiser resembled the Alex Anzalone of the Notre Dame defense, a talented and intelligent linebacker at the second level who excels in coverage and rarely misses tackles in the open field. His character and style of play are quite easy to imagine fitting in nicely with Detroit. As the previous season demonstrated, having sufficient linebacker depth is always important.
Yarns excelled as a pass-catcher from the start in Mobile, and his game footage from the Blue Hens supports this. He can turn a basic swing pass or a screen play into a long touchdown—just ask Monmouth. Presents a genuine opportunity as a return expert as well. The Lions’ leading four RBs (Gibbs, Montgomery, Reynolds, Vaki) are expected to be back in 2024, but there’s space for a practice squad addition who could contribute situationally as a rookie in case of injuries or unforeseen requirements.