The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we’re putting together a Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft today.
Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 29: C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Zach Frazier, a consistent presence on West Virginia’s offensive line, has shown versatility by transitioning from left guard to center during his college career. He excels as a run blocker, utilizing his low center of gravity and strong hand technique to control defenders effectively. However, his athleticism is average, limiting his effectiveness in space and on moving targets. In pass protection, Frazier demonstrates intelligence and awareness, but his lack of length and quickness can leave him vulnerable against certain matchups. While possessing starter-level traits, his potential is likely limited due to his athleticism and length constraints.
Round 2 Pick 61: G Christian Haynes, UConn
Becoming only the third player in school history to earn the prestigious title of All-American, Haynes exemplifies a disciplined approach to his assignments, whether in run blocking or pass protection. His resilience and strength are qualities that resonate strongly with NFL offensive line coaches. While his athleticism may not be exceptional, particularly in open spaces, Haynes displays impressive short-area agility and maintains excellent balance. Following his standout showing at the Senior Bowl, Haynes has positioned himself as a potential Day 2 draft selection.
Round 3, Pick 73: EDGE Austin Booker, Kansas
Austin Booker, a redshirt junior who transferred to Kansas from Minnesota, had a standout season with 56 tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles. He possesses explosive first-step quickness and impressive length at the edge position, making him a formidable pass rusher. Booker’s ability to disrupt quarterbacks with his initial burst and length is a key strength. Additionally, he can drop into coverage effectively, adding versatility to the defense. However, he needs improvement in run defense, as his tall, lean frame can lead to struggles with leverage and strength at the point of attack. While he excels in passing situations, there’s a developmental curve for him in run defense.
Round 5, Pick 164: CB Kamal Hadden, Tennessee
A big cover corner with athletic talent and a versatile skill set. He has good feet and strength to redirect routes from press but can be a little tight in transitions. He anticipates route breaks well and has good ball skills, but can panic and grab when behind. His speed is unclear, and his performance in the 40-yard dash will be telling. Hadden has good size and improved his coverage squeeze in 2023. If he stays healthy and runs well, he could be an eventual starting wide corner.
Round 6, Pick 201: CB Josh Wallace, Michigan
Wallace is a draftable prospect as a wide cornerback. Although undersized, he’s a natural leader with an excellent work ethic. He has adequate athleticism in man-to-man coverage but lacks the size to control larger NFL targets. Wallace has exceptional route-reading skills but an average closing burst. He’s intelligent, versatile, and a good tackler, making him a solid backup candidate.
Round 6, Pick 205: HB Kimani Vidal, Troy
Kimani Vidal, Troy University’s record-setting rusher, enters the 2024 NFL Draft as a highly-skilled running back prospect. Known for his vision, agility, and physicality, Vidal excels at finding running lanes and breaking tackles. He showcases versatility by threatening defenses both as a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. However, questions linger about his top-end speed and tendency to bounce inside runs to the outside. Despite these concerns, Vidal’s ability to finish runs and contribute in the passing game makes him a promising prospect for NFL teams.
Round 7, Pick 249: S Kenny Logan Jr., Kansas
Kenny Logan Jr. is recovering from shoulder surgery. Originally a three-star recruit from Florida, emerged as a starter for Kansas football in 2020, showcasing his defensive prowess with impressive stats: 58 tackles, one sack, five pass deflections, and two interceptions. His performance continued to excel in the subsequent seasons, leading the team in tackles each year. In 2022, he recorded 106 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions, further solidifying his impact on the field. In the most recent season, Logan maintained his stellar play, tallying 95 tackles, seven tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and another interception, demonstrating consistent excellence throughout his collegiate career.