It’s that time of year again! Every draft season, we take part in a fun tradition: a completely random mock draft. This has been going on for 13 years at Pride of Detroit. It all started when Sean Yuille, our founder, wondered if drawing names from a hat could do better than some past selections by the Lions’ former general manager, Matt Millen.
Why still do it? Simple. It’s a quirky and enjoyable way to engage with draft night, and honestly, it can be just as reliable as any other mock draft out there!
Last year? Well, we didn’t hit any targets. But hope springs eternal! Let’s dive into this year’s picks:
1. Las Vegas Raiders: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
2. New York Jets: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
3. Arizona Cardinals: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
4. Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame
5. New York Giants: G Vega Ioane, Penn State
6. Cleveland Browns: WR Makai Lemon, USC
7. Washington Commanders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
8. New Orleans Saints: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
9. Kansas City Chiefs: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
10. New York Giants: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
11. Miami Dolphins: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
13. Los Angeles Rams: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
14. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
16. New York Jets: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
17. Detroit Lions: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
18. Minnesota Vikings: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
19. Carolina Panthers: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
20. Dallas Cowboys: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
22. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
23. Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
24. Cleveland Browns: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
25. Chicago Bears: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
26. Buffalo Bills: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
27. San Francisco 49ers: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
28. Houston Texans: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
29. Kansas City Chiefs: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
30. Miami Dolphins: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
31. New England Patriots: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
32. Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Rueben Bain, Miami
As for Detroit’s selection, pairing them with Carnell Tate might be a stretch. Many analysts expect him to be a top pick, probably in the first ten. Given the Lions’ existing commitments to their current receivers, this choice could raise eyebrows.
Looking at other picks, Jeremiah Love to the Titans at number four feels right on point. In fact, he’s a popular choice in mock drafts, according to ESPN’s draft simulator. The Cowboys could likely grab a cornerback, though Colton Hood might be too late in the first round.
Interestingly, data from NFL analytics shows that teams often find surprising talents outside the first round. In the 2022 draft, more than 60% of starters came from picks beyond the first round. So, even a random mock can shed light on potential gems.
In terms of the Browns, picking Caleb Downs at 24 might not happen, but he could still end up in Cleveland earlier. On a similar note, Denzel Boston at 30 for the Dolphins could be a sweet fit. With the loss of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Miami needs fresh talent at receiver.
What do you think? Which picks resonate with you? Let’s chat in the comments!
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Detroit Lions Draft,Detroit Lions mock draft
