Detroit Lions Mock Draft: Building the Perfect 7-Round Draft

Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz have worked endlessly to finally get the Lions back to the playoffs, but it will take even more to get them past their one-and-done performance last season. How can the draft unfold to give them the best chance to overtake the Green Bay Packers this year?

Round 1, No. 23

Plan A: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: There are a lot of scenarios where Kirkpatrick could trickle through the late teens and early 20s to Detroit. Cincinnati is the main obstacle, but if the Bengals pass, the Lions could get a huge instant boost to their pass defense, as Kirkpatrick is an excellent fit for what they ask of their corners. Character risk notwithstanding in light of recent events, corner is the position that the Lions need the most right now.

Plan B: Peter Konz, C/OG, Wisconsin: Every starter in the Lions interior OL is at least 30, and Konz can cover any of the three positions. He might not upgrade the team as immediately as Kirkpatrick would, but he might be a more sound investment. 

Round 2, No. 54

Plan A: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame: The Lions have the offense to hang with anyone in the league, and their front seven is very good. Upgrading the secondary should be job one. Alabama's Mark Barron is a consideration in the first round, but Smith could be there in the second, and he's not far off of Barron as a prospect.

Plan B: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Dennard was once considered a first-round pick, but his poor postseason could put him in the strike zone for the Lions' second-round pick. If they trade down out of the first to the early second, Dennard is a natural target.

Round 3, No. 85

Plan A: Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California: Schwartz could compete to start at right tackle in his first training camp and be groomed for the Lions' long-term answer at left tackle. He would be an ideal addition in the third round.

Plan B: Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn: Mosley is almost opposite of Schwartz. He is unproven, but has immense potential as a long-term starter at offensive tackle. 

Round 4, No. 117

Plan A: Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State: Brewster makes sense in the fourth for the same reasons that Konz does in the first. His pass protection prowess would project well in the Lions high-octane offense.

Plan B: Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina: Allen's aggressive mentality and big-play profile on defense may mesh very well with Louis Delmas in the secondary. He can also hang in man coverage against a spread offense. 

Round 5, No. 158

Plan A: Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State: Imagine Wes Welker with deep speed. If Wylie can stay healthy, he could provide that kind of presence in the passing game. Lions WR coach Shawn Jefferson ran Wylie's drills at his pro day, so he is on their radar. I wouldn't argue with his selection as high as the third round.

Plan B: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin: Toon isn't as explosive as Wylie, but he is a very solid complementary receiver who could project as a mainstay in three-wide sets down the line.

Round 7, No. 219

Plan A: G.J. Kinne, QB, Tulsa: The Lions are set at starting and back-up QB, but they need to have one in the incubator. Kinne's guts and athleticism are a good starting point for a project.

Plan B: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State: Moore isn't a gifted QB, but he might work out as a backup in the Lions offense that relies a lot on the shotgun formation.

Round 7, No. 230

Plan A: Foswhitt Whittaker, RB, Texas: Whittaker is sidelined with a knee injury, but he still got a combine invite, so you know the NFL considers him a draftable player. He might be relegated to the practice squad, but versatile depth at RB is needed for the Lions.

Plan B: Coty Sensabaugh, DB, Clemson: Sensabaugh is a bit of a project in the secondary, but he could catch on as a special teams ace and develop as a defensive back in the meantime.