In about three months, the football world will descend upon Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft. The Lions will hold the 17th overall pick, with some pressing needs, as the roster stands today, on both sides of the ball.
They could fortify the offensive line, especially if Taylor Decker retires. They could juice up the pass rush with a true complement to Aidan Hutchinson. They could add more playmakers to the secondary with star safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch facing injuries that could impact their futures.
Which of these three paths would be best for the Lions to take at No. 17 overall?
In ESPN's most recent mock draft, Detroit selects Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker.
Parker's stock was even higher at this time last year after he racked up 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles as a sophomore. He's still a high-ceiling prospect who had five sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss (no forced fumbles) in two fewer games this season.
The Lions were tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks this year, but ranked toward the bottom of the league in pass rush win rate, time to pressure, and time to throw for opposing quarterbacks. The 6'3 Parker "plays the edge with length and strength that are pro-caliber," per ESPN's Jordan Reid, and "his effort and upper-body strength are exactly what Detroit needs opposite Hutchinson in a 4-3 scheme."
In the latest mock from The Athletic, the Lions select offensive tackle Caleb Lomu from Utah.
Brad Holmes said the Lions will take an "urgent" approach to strengthening their offensive line this offseason, while also noting they've done so in years past. The latter can be debated. But drafting Lomu here would qualify as a significant and timely investment.
Whether or not Decker opts to retire, the Lions have to plan for a future where he's no longer with the team. Lomu started every game at left tackle for Utah the past two seasons and allowed two total sacks, per PFF. He didn't allow a single one in 357 pass-blocking snaps this season while being named first-team All-Big 12.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic raises "questions about Lomu’s play strength, which might be an issue for this team in particular, but his above-average athleticism and processing will be strong selling points."
And in the latest mock from CBS Sports, the Lions take cornerback Jermod McCoy from Tennessee.
Lots of scouts consider McCoy the top cornerback in this year's class. Of course, he didn't play a snap this season after tearing his ACL last January. That should be a bright red flag for the Lions, whose defense was riddled with injuries this season for the second year in a row, including at one point their entire starting secondary. So maybe another addition in the backend would actually be wise.
McCoy, a "physical corner who can play man on an island and is also comfortable in zone looks," per Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports, was dominant when he was last on the field in 2024. He had nine pass breakups and four picks while allowing a passer rating in coverage of 53.6, "and in run support he comes downhill looking to thump someone," says Wilson.
He just wouldn't have a path to a starting job as a rookie in Detroit, with the Lions bringing back DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold at corner.