Should Nolen still be available when the Lions select at No. 28\u2014and that\u2019s a significant \u201cif\u201d\u2014he appears to be an ideal match for what Detroit seeks in a relentless interior defensive lineman. He\u2019s fast, he\u2019s elusive off blocks, and he approaches every snap as if it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Second round: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n One of my personal favorites, Gillotte is a name that Lions fans ought to recognize. He\u2019s a clear \u201ccrush the can\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Third round: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u20144 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Fourth round: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s challenging to resist the inclination to avoid showcasing Cal CB Nohl Williams here, yet it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Sixth round: Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, OT, Oregon State\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2013similar to Lions extra tackle Dan Skipper. Christian-Lichtenhan enhanced his performance after moving to Oregon State from Colorado, demonstrating adaptability in his approach.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2019s skill to reset and recover in pass protection shows great potential.<\/p>\n Seventh round (2 picks)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Jack Kiser, linebacker, Notre Dame<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marcus Yarns, running back, Delaware<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2014just ask Monmouth. Presents a genuine opportunity as a return expert as well. The Lions\u2019 leading four RBs (Gibbs, Montgomery, Reynolds, Vaki) are expected to be back in 2024, but there\u2019s space for a practice squad addition who could contribute situationally as a rookie in case of injuries or unforeseen requirements.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Saturday\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/divinesoccerinfo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/USATSI_25101071-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n