Against Rutgers, Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) returns an intercepted pass for a score.
quarterback Evan Simon (3) in Piscataway, New Jersey, during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, September 24, 2022. (Photo by Noah K. Murray for AP)
ALLEN PARK — The NFL’s annual scouting combine is one week away, and since MLive released its first mock draft of the year, let’s take a national look at what analysts are projecting for the Detroit Lions.
And not much has changed from the defensive trend in last week’s roundup. It’s generally accepted that the Lions will address their defense at Pick 29, if not on Opening Day. Among the most well-liked names were Penn State edge defender Chop Robinson, Alabama corner Kool-Aid McKinstry, Missouri corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and UCLE edge defender Laiatu Latu. A few of these players are included on this week’s redesigned roster.
With assistance from the NFL Mock Draft Database, let’s get started with a mock draft roundup that tracks the Lions’ selections from the previous week:
To be clear, having Cooper DeJean at Pick 29 would be a divine gift. He may try to go considerably higher in the order on Day 1 and is widely believed to be in the running to be CB1 in this year’s selection. Yet he would undoubtedly satisfy a number of the Detroit Lions’ defensive needs, particularly with cornerbacks. In my mock draft, DeJean was the first cornerback off the board. In 2023, opposing quarterbacks who threw to him had an average passer rating of 37.8. When in coverage, DeJean gave up just one reception of more than fifteen yards. In his final two seasons at Iowa, he had three touchdowns and seven interceptions. Given that DeJean is an athletic, fluid, and natural cornerback, he would immediately improve coverage at CB2.
Zach Frazier, an offensive lineman, was compared to Dan Campbell by draft guru Daniel Jeremiah. He could start at guard on day one and switch to center later if necessary. Without a doubt, that meets the needs of the team. Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow are unrestricted free agents, and center Frank Ragnow endured a difficult season. In 806 snaps during the previous season, Frazier gave up just three quarterback hits and no sacks.
Early in the draft season, the Lions are starting to prioritize Ennis Rakestraw Jr. as a player to watch. With his exceptional lockdown coverage skills and ability to bump at the line of scrimmage, it’s easy to see how it would work. When targeted, Rakestraw gave up just 18 catches on 28 targets for 197 yards and one touchdown. His size and physical prowess elevated his ceiling in man coverage looks, and he also excelled in zone coverage.
The cornerback was referred to as a Lions template by ESPN draft expert Matt Miller earlier this week during a media conference call.
Miller stated during the video call, “If you’re looking for a prototypical Detroit Lions-type player, I think that physicality at the line of scrimmage, he’s a great tackler in space as well, especially for not being the biggest guy.” When it comes to height, weight, and strength alone, he isn’t a particularly physical player. However, he plays as one of the most physically gifted corners in this selection, if not all drafts. When it comes to playing at the line of scrimmage and using that physicality, he’s right up there with some of the top corners I’ve evaluated.
Darius Robinson was included in last week’s roundup as well, having already been linked to the Lions by a number of observers. Robinson gave Detroit’s defensive line even greater inside-outside versatility by transitioning well from defensive tackle to edge defender. Aaron Glenn has never held back when it comes to sharing his admiration for that kind of adaptability. In 2023, Robinson had an 8% run-stop victory percentage and won 17% of his pass rushes. The 290-pound, 6-foot-5 D-lineman showed even more potential by moving to the outside, recording 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He is a seasoned athlete whose impressive performance at the Senior Bowl raised expectations even more.
Locals in this state are aware of the profound impact Kris Jenkins Jr. may have while performing at his peak. He is the son of big two-time All-Pro and former four-time Pro Bowler Kris Jenkins. The younger Jenkins weighs less than his father, the game-changer. However, he demonstrated his all-around skills in Ann Arbor, where he won 11% of his pass rushes, produced 18 quarterback hurries, and had an impressive 12.6% run-stop victory percentage. Jenkins Jr. is a candidate for both the back of Round 1 and the second round, with an average landing position of about the 37th selection.
Another cornerback who would feel like a big win at the end of the first round is Nate Wiggins. His slender build is a worry. However, his success at a top program and his ability to cover are sufficient to make him appear to be a lock to be selected in the first round as a cornerback. With just one reception of more than 20 yards given up in the previous season, Wiggins was unmatched in his ability to minimize long passes. He appears to be another guy that puts in a lot of effort and would fit right in at Allen Park. Wiggins is ranked ninth overall among all prospects by PFF. Last season, he had excellent coverage grades in both man and zone looks. Out of 41 balls thrown his way, he gave up just 18 catches. He had two of his greatest performances against Jordan Travis of Florida State and quarterback prospect Drake Maye of North Carolina.
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