Lions go WR, EDGE in Mel Kiper's new 2-round NFL mock draft

Lions go WR, EDGE in Mel Kiper’s new 2-round NFL mock draft

There figures to be at least two position groups the Detroit Lions could address in the 2024 NFL draft, with one of them being wide receiver and the other offensive line.

And that’s the position group ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Detroit addressing in his latest two-round mock draft. At No. 29 overall, he has the Lions selecting Texas wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell. Here’s his write-up on the pick:

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes had a tremendous 2023 draft class, which featured impact contributions from tight end Sam LaPorta, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive back Brian Branch and linebacker Jack Campbell. Can he do it again? Looking at this Lions roster, there aren’t many holes to fill. I could make the case for them taking a depth interior offensive lineman, an edge rusher or a corner, but receiver also stands out, particularly one who could run vertical routes and play on the other side of Jameson Williams.

Mitchell could be a fit. At 6-foot-2, he ran a 4.34-second 40 at the combine, showing off impressive physical tools. He had 11 touchdowns last season. You might consider this a luxury pick, but this roster is so talented that the Lions can afford to take Mitchell.

Even before the departure of Josh Reynolds, the Lions figured to be in the market for a wide receiver, but him leaving only made the need more dire.

Not only is Jameson Williams a question mark going into his third season, but the Lions needed more help on the boundary opposite him to begin with. Mitchell would at least add more depth in his first year but he has the potential to be a No. 1 or No. 2 for the long haul.

In the second round, Kiper mocks Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac to Detroit. Here’s his take on that selection:

Isaac was overshadowed a bit by Chop Robinson, but he actually outproduced his teammate last season, racking up 7.5 sacks. He’s not as explosive as Robinson, but he’s a well-rounded defender who has an impressive get-off at the snap. At 247 pounds, he could play in the edge-rushing rotation in Detroit, which needs to get more out of its pass-rushers not named Aidan Hutchinson.

Adding more edge help is among the priorities for the Lions. Granted, Detroit did sign Marcus Davenport to help in that area but he’s only on a one-year contract and has a troublesome injury history.

The hope would be that Isaac provides depth for the Lions in Year 1 and eventually develops into a starting-caliber player down the road.

The biggest issue with this mock is the Lions not taking a cornerback with either of their first two picks. Doing so would make it less likely Detroit lands someone who can help them immediately. The good news is, the Lions still have some cap space to add someone in free agency, like veteran corner Stephon Gilmore, for example.