Final simulation of the 7 rounds: the Lions take charge of the defense at the start of the repechage

In my 10 or so years of writing about the NFL Draft, I can’t remember a year when there was so much uncertainty near the top. At the end of March, Aidan Hutchinson was still the big favorite to be selected first. He has now been replaced by Travon Walker (-300 by DraftKings Sportsbook). Instead, Hutchinson is now the favorite to be drafted No. 1. 2 from the Lions (-150) stalked by Kayvon Thibodeaux (+130).

The silly season doesn’t end until the Jaguars are on the clock, which means we still have time for another mock draft. This year I’m using Pro Football Network’s simulator, which is free. Let’s go.

Round 1 (2): Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

In this simulation, the Jaguars took the offensive tackle, Evan Neal, with the first overall pick. I think it’s the right choice for them, but it seems unlikely that it will actually happen. Still, there’s a good chance that Hutchinson would be available here anyway and ultimately it came down to who I liked more between Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Hutchinson has an elite athletic profile and is a perfect fit for what the Lions are looking for in a cutting edge rusher. The only real knock on him as a prospect is his lack of arm length (7th percentile).

1st round (32): George Pickens, WR, Georgia

The way the rest of the first lap went was very unfortunate for us. Guys like Lewis Cine, Nakobe Dean, Daxton Hill, Jaquan Brisker, among others, all edged out the Lions’ second first-round pick. Ideally, Detroit would take a top safety or a linebacker who fell there, but since most of those guys were gone, I feel good about taking the best receiver available here.

If Leos make that choice, you can bet you’ll hear the “kneecap bite” quite often. If not for the injury history and lack of time, Pickens likely would have established himself as a first-round pick. He’s the most physical receiver in this draft class and fits perfectly into that “X” receiver role the Lions are looking for.

2nd round (34): Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia

Everyone wants to take a Georgia defender in this draft, but Wyatt may not be the one Lions fans expect. He went under the radar a bit because he played alongside guys like Travon Walker, Nakobe Dean, Lewis Cine…the list goes on. However, if Wyatt is still on the board at this point, I think it would be an absolute steal for the Lions, who are still looking to get more production from their inside defensive linemen.

The Lions already drafted two defensive tackles early last year, but are still waiting to see that turn into a real production in terms of passer rushing. If they can develop these guys and they get a stallion like Wyatt, then that’s a big deal to have.

3rd round (66): Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

I really wanted to get a safety or a linebacker here because I think waiting until 97 or Day 3 would be waiting way too long to address either position. In the end, I had my options down to Chenal, Brian Asamoah, Channing Tindall and Damone Clark at linebacker, and Kerby Joseph, Bryan Cook or Nick Cross at safety.

In the end, I went with Chenal for several reasons. The Lions haven’t had someone who has top speed, but can also completely stop the running game at the same time for as long as I can remember. Of course, there are obvious concerns about Chenal’s stiffness and coverage limitations, but I’m willing to take that risk and see if those areas can improve, knowing he can be elite. in other areas.

3rd round (97): Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati

Luckily for me, I was able to have one of those guys I considered at 66 fall to me at 97. Cook would be a fantastic chance for the Lions at the bottom of the third round as they still need a lot of safety help. I really like Cook’s value in this spot, and I think you can go down other avenues with the 97th pick as well. Cook’s teammate Coby Bryant (CB) was available here and would be a solid option. Tight end was also a consideration here with Jelani Woods and Cade Otton still on the board.

Cook fits in well with the Lions as a split zone safety who is a very effective running defender and can transition into a starting role if he can improve his coverage skills.

5th round (177): Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia

For some reason, PFN ranked Sayer pretty low (167th on their roster), so the Lions get some offensive line depth by drafting the best available player who could go in the second round. Sayer started most of his games at left tackle for the Bulldogs, but has some experience on the right side and took snaps on the inside line during Senior Bowl week. Sayer is expected to transition full-time as an inside lineman to the next level.

Round 6 (181): James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech

Without a torn ACL shortening his season, Mitchell would likely be considered for a late Day 2/early Day 3 pick. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to earn starting snaps and use his speed/running ability to create lags.

If the Lions are unable to approach the tight final position sooner, they should still have a few decent options at this stage of the draft.

Round 6 (217): Max Borghi, RB, Washington State

With our final pick, it’s time to take a swing on a running back late in the round. At 5-foot-9, Borghi won’t be your workhorse, but he has very good running instincts for his size and will be a solid target in the passing game. Think of it as a potential space change.