By Adeniyi Precious 
With NFL free agency kicking off next week, this is the last chance to check out mock drafts before the Lions’ roster starts shifting. We analyzed 40 mock drafts, and while 17 different players were projected to Detroit, one thing remained constant—building up the offensive and defensive lines is the top priority.
Only six of those mock drafts had the Lions selecting a non-lineman, showing a clear trend: Detroit is focused on getting bigger and stronger in the trenches. Let’s break down the latest names linked to the Lions.
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Offensive Line Targets
Tyler Booker (OG, Alabama)
Mocked by: Ryan McCrystal (Sharp Football Analysis), Chris Gregory (Rotoballer), Jacob Camenker (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
> “Booker is a rock-solid pick. He’s a beast in short-yardage situations and rarely gets beat by power rushers. If he falls to the Lions, they’d be smart to snag him.” — Gregory
Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State)
Mocked by: Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports), Paul Guillemette (Draft Countdown), Matt Bitonti (Football Guys)
> “Zabel shined at the Senior Bowl, playing multiple interior positions like a seasoned vet. Scouts love his leadership, and his stock keeps rising.” — Wilson
Donovan Jackson (OL, Ohio State)
Mocked by: Charles Davis (NFL.com), JP Acosta (SB Nation), Reese Decker (Pro Football Network), Brianna Dix (Buccaneers.com)
> “Jackson’s versatility was on full display when he moved to tackle in the playoffs. He fits best at guard for Detroit but could take over at tackle in the future.” — Acosta
Takeaway:
The Lions value offensive line depth, and even if they keep Kevin Zeitler, drafting his successor makes sense. Booker and Zabel are strong first-round candidates, while Jackson’s stock is rising.
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Defensive Line Targets
Kenneth Grant (NT, Michigan)
Mocked by: Dane Brugler (The Athletic), Danny Kelly (The Ringer), Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports), Brentley Weissman (Pro Football Network)
> “Grant is a monster at 6’4″, 331 pounds. His tape is inconsistent, but his size and upside are too good to pass up.” — Brugler
Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
Mocked by: Tim Twentyman (DetroitLions.com), Alyssa Barberi (Touchdown Wire)
> “Harmon was one of the most disruptive DTs in college football, leading all FBS defensive tackles in pressures. He’d be a great long-term piece next to Alim McNeill.” — Twentyman
Takeaway:
Both Grant and Harmon would bring major size and power to the Lions’ interior D-line, but there’s a chance they’ll be gone by the time Detroit picks.
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Edge Rusher Targets
Jalon Walker (EDGE/LB, Georgia)
Mocked by: Thor Nystrom (Fantasy Life)
> “Walker is a hybrid pass rusher and linebacker who can move all over the field. His speed and versatility would be a nightmare for offenses.” — Nystrom
Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
Mocked by: Tom Fornelli (CBS Sports)
> “Green has a higher ceiling than other edge prospects and would be great value at the end of the first round.” — Fornelli
Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Mocked by: Tyler Dragon (USA Today), Joe Shad (The Palm Beach Post)
> “Detroit’s defense was banged up last season, and adding Stewart would give them much-needed depth opposite Aidan Hutchinson.” — Dragon
Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Mocked by: Jordan Reid (ESPN), Kyle Crabbs (33rd Team), Marcus Mosher (33rd Team), Hayden Winks (Underdog Fantasy), Nick Suss (Nashville Tennessean), Carmen Vitali (FOX Sports), Jeff Ratcliffe (FTN Fantasy)
> “Lining up Ezeiruaku opposite Hutchinson is a scary thought. He won’t face many double-teams, which could help him shine.” — Suss
James Pearce (EDGE, Tennessee)
Mocked by: Trevor Sikkema (PFF), Luke Easterling (Athlon Sports), Pat Fitzmaurice (Fantasy Pros)
> “Pearce dominated at the combine with elite speed. He’s still viewed as a raw pass-rusher, but Detroit could mold him into a weapon.” — Sikkema
Nic Scourton (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Mocked by: Ben Raven (MLive)
> “Scourton has the power, motor, and technique to be an immediate contributor in Detroit.” — Raven
Landon Jackson (EDGE, Arkansas)
Mocked by: Justin Melo (The Draft Network), Kyle Dvorchak (NBC Sports)
> “Jackson checked all the athleticism boxes at the Combine. He’s a physical, high-energy pass rusher.” — Melo
J.T. Tuimoloau (EDGE, Ohio State)
Mocked by: Nate Tice & Charles McDonald (Yahoo Sports)
> “Tuimoloau’s strength and motor would fit perfectly alongside Hutchinson and McNeill.” — Tice & McDonald
Takeaway:
Edge rushers are a popular projection for Detroit, but the choices vary. Ezeiruaku is the most frequently mocked, but bigger DEs could gain traction now that the Lions re-signed Derrick Barnes.
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Other Positions
Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
Mocked by: Curt Popejoy (Draft Wire), Calvin Watkins (Dallas Morning News), Daniel Belton (Cat Scratch Reader)
> “Campbell’s versatility makes him a great fit, but with Barnes re-signed, the Lions may not have an immediate need.” — Watkins
Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
Mocked by: Josh Edwards (CBS Sports)
> “With Carlton Davis hitting free agency, Detroit could look to Hairston as a long-term solution.” — Edwards
Takeaway:
Linebacker and cornerback aren’t high-priority positions in most mocks, but that could change based on how free agency plays out.
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Final Thoughts
The Lions are expected to double down on the trenches this offseason, and the mock drafts reflect that. Offensive linemen, defensive tackles, and edge rushers dominate projections.
Top OL targets: Booker, Zabel, Jackson
Top DL targets: Grant, Harmon
Most common EDGE pick: Ezeiruaku
Wildcard: A surprise linebacker or corner could still be in play
Free agency could shake things up, but for now, expect Detroit to keep investing in the big men up front.
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