Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft: Taking the best player available

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes made his philosophy regarding the offseason roster building methods clear early this offseason. To paraphrase, free agency is for filling needs and the draft is the way to acquire talent.

Through the notable part of free agency, the Lions have checked the “need” boxes. Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson were added to bolster the cornerback room. DJ Reader is lined up to give Alim McNeill a suitable running mate on the interior defensive line. After Jonah Jackson left in free agency, as had been expected, Kevin Zeitler was signed to play right guard and Graham Glasgow will move over to left guard to replace Jackson.

That move to sign Zeitler seemed to change the draft equation for the Lions, allowing them to move fully into taking the proverbial “best player available” in the first round and all the way through. But Holmes may be in that mode anyway.

So that’s the premise here-“take the best player available”, using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator and thus their related prospect rankings. The huge possible (if not certain) caveats, of course, being positions that have already been drafted or positions the Lions aren’t going to be prioritizing in this year’s draft.

There has been growing buzz pointing to the Lions taking a wide receiver early in the draft, and any possible move left in free agency (including re-signing Josh Reynolds, apparently) isn’t likely to completely eliminate the idea.

A lot was made of Coleman’s slow 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine (4.61 seconds). But he otherwise dominated on-field drills in Indianapolis…doing some actual things that better translate to football skill than running 40 yards in a straight line on his way to a 9.12 RAS (Relative Athletic Score). And his game speed looks just fine on tape.

Coleman is the kind of “X” receiver the Lions’ offense is missing, a big body (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) with soft hands and a big catch radius who can be a weapon in the red zone (18 touchdowns over his last two college seasons)

The NFL Draft, an annual event that shapes the destiny of football franchises, has undergone a remarkable evolution over the years. From humble beginnings in 1936 to its current status as a blockbuster spectacle, the draft has become a pivotal moment eagerly anticipated by fans and teams alike.

Initially conceived as a mechanism to ensure competitive balance among teams, the draft was a straightforward affair conducted behind closed doors or over the phone. However, the landscape changed dramatically in 1980 when ESPN televised the draft for the first time, ushering in a new era of excitement and accessibility for football enthusiasts

In fact, the original television broadcast was expected to be a total flop by the NFL. Oops.

Fast forward to the mid-2000’s, and the draft underwent another transformation with the introduction of a more elaborate stage setup and the invitation of top prospects to attend in person. A handful of prospects (usually five or six) would attend the draft in the 1900’s, but now fans could see 20 or so potential first-round picks sweat it out. This move added an extra layer of anticipation as fans eagerly awaited to see future stars take the stage donning their new team’s cap and jersey.

One of the most significant milestones came in 2010 when the NFL opted to move the draft from its traditional location in New York City to various cities across the country. This decision not only allowed for greater fan engagement but also turned the draft into a traveling spectacle, with each host city adding its own unique flavor to the proceedings.

In recent years, the NFL Draft has continued to evolve, becoming more than just a means for teams to acquire talent. It’s now a full-fledged event that captivates audiences worldwide, offering hope and excitement for the future of their favorite teams.

Adding to the excitement for fans is an annual merchandise drop that brings with it a sense of hope and optimism for a new superstar – the New Era NFL Draft hats.

So whether you’re a die-hard fan eagerly awaiting your team’s next big pick or a casual observer tuning in for the drama, the NFL Draft remains an iconic event that embodies the spirit of competition and renewal in the world of football. And with the availability of the latest Detroit Lions New Era draft hats, fans can now show their support for their team in style.