Predictive Mock Draft 3.0
Getting closer and closer. Another seven-round mock draft for the Lions aiming to identify scheme fits and players who fit the mold for Brad Holmes.
This is the third of likely five of these, with the fifth one being a full on prediction. These are aimed at identifying players who check off a lot of the boxes that Holmes has historically looked for, both in Detroit and in LAR.
Remember, there are no repeat players allowed in these. So that currently leaves the following as off-limits irregardless of how the draft unfolds:
Predictive Mock 1.0: Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Sam LaPorta, Hendon Hooker, Garrett Williams, Eric Gray, Antoine Green, Jordan Howden.
Predictive Mock 2.0: Christian Gonzalez, Mazi Smith, Trenton Simpson, Steve Avila, Ji’Ayir Brown, Colby Wooden, Stetson Bennett, Justin Shorter.
Much as the previous one used ESPN’s Jordan Reid’s latest seven-round mock draft to compile the availability, this one uses PFN’s Ian Cummings’ latest seven-round mock for the availability.
Round 1, Pick #6 (via LAR)
Cummings has the following order to the top five picks in his mock draft:
Panthers - QB Anthony Richardson (Florida)
Texans - QB C.J. Stroud (Ohio State)
Raiders - QB Bryce Young (Alabama)
Colts - QB Will Levis (Kentucky)
Seahawks - EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
Now, usually I try to go ahead and avoid using the same pick that a mock draft has in place already, but this one becomes tougher, with me already using Carter up in Predictive Mock 1.0 and not having the availability to select Anderson or a QB as they are all off the board. Cummings went with Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson, and so that really only leaves one plausible option at this point: Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon.
The Lions recently sent both DB coaches out to Witherspoon's Pro Day, and had plenty of interaction with him at the NFL’s Senior Bowl. Now personally, I do not think Witherspoon is going to be a long-term CB1 on the outside, and thus, I would prefer to land him at 18th. However, some of the more highly plugged in folks around the league tend to believe Witherspoon probably does not slip that far, meaning it’s somewhat now or never.
From a Holmes-mold of sorts, Witherspoon compares quite favorably in terms of his build and play-style to recent signees such as Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton. Add in an aggressive demeanor on field against the run, and his leadership, as well as chemistry with current Lions safety Kerby Joseph, and this would be an excellent addition for Detroit.
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