If the NFL Draft follows the script laid out by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay in a three-round mock released Tuesday -- which it obviously will -- the Lions would have to be thrilled, right?
Because they come away with five premium players at positions of need, all of whom could impact the team in a big way this season. Let's take a look.
With Will Anderson and Jalen Carter and the top three quarterbacks off the board at No. 6, McShay has the Lions selecting Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson, who would give Detroit elite length and athleticism off the edge:
"Wilson is a really good fit with the Lions, who had well-documented defensive issues last season. Pair him with Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, and that edge rush could cause problems for opponents."
McShay goes back to the defensive well for the Lions at No. 18 with Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, a motor and matchup problem up front:
"We're building one heck of a defensive line in Detroit after landing Tyree Wilson earlier. Sure, Kancey is undersized (6-foot-1, 281 pounds), but he is explosive and can make an impact as both a run-stuffer and an interior pass-rusher."
For those wondering, Texas running back Bijan Robinson, who's been linked frequently to the Lions, goes No. 10 to the Eagles. So McShay grabs Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs for Detroit in the second round at No. 48, while noting "I'm not sure Gibbs falls this far:"
"The Lions would love this scenario. They signed David Montgomery and already have D'Andre Swift, but Gibbs brings a different element to the offense than the former, and the latter hasn't been able to stay healthy. Gibbs is nearly impossible to tackle in the open field and could put up big numbers as an after-the-catch playmaker for Jared Goff in the pass game."
But what about linebacker? Don't the Lions need more playmakers there? At No. 55, Kiper sends them Arkansas' Drew Sanders:
"We've given Detroit two defensive linemen and a running back so far, but I still spot a void at linebacker. I want to see Sanders compete for a starting spot on the inside. At 6-foot-4, he could be used as a great blitzer too. He just makes plays."
But what about tight end? Don't the Lions need more playmakers there? At No. 81, Kiper sends them Michigan's Luke Schoonmaker.
"Schoonmaker might be a little underrated in this deep tight end class. He is solid but not spectacular. With T.J. Hockenson gone, Detroit doesn't have much in its tight end room. And now we've filled all of the Lions' needs, haven't we, Todd?"
To recap: two defensive linemen in the first round for a defense that ranked last in the NFL last season, a running back in the second round for an offense that already looks poised to do damage, plus a potential defensive captain in the second round and a potential long-term answer at tight end in the third.
Yeah, that'll do.
