Detroit Lions Mock Draft: Final 7-Round Predictions

The last grasp at cracking the Detroit Lions mock draft code is here.

Really. This is it.

There isn't enough time left to predict another seven rounds since the draft finally begins Thursday night. It's been a journey that only an Iditarod sled dog could appreciate, but after months of speculation, you will finally learn who general manager Martin Mayhew will add to his talented roster.

So with a few precious hours between now and the boos that will inevitably rain down on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, let's wade into the waters together, one last time, in an effort to guess who the Lions will select.

Round 1

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Pick 23: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

Let's be clear about this: If La'el Collins is available in this spot, he'll be the pick assuming the questioning regarding a pregnant woman's death doesn't indicate his involvement in any manner. There is nothing that implicates Collins at this point, so it's likely he'll be snapped up before Detroit gets the chance.

Additionally, Detroit would be wise to trade back if it can find a trade partner. Jason LaCanfora of NFL Media reported recently that the Lions are working the phones hard:

"

Lions among the teams making lots of calls about possibly moving down in draft to get more picks. They are not alone.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 29, 2015"

But just because the above scenarios are better doesn't mean Malcom Brown is a bad pick. In fact, he'd be a great addition to a restored defensive line that would still be included in anybody's top five.

And he'd definitely be the best player available in this scenario. Luke Easterling of Bleacher Report certainly agrees since he named him his 13th-best prospect:

"

13. Malcom Brown, DT, Texas - Very underrated. Will be a wrecking ball as a 3T at the next level. Explosive & powerful.

— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) April 26, 2015"

Brown stands 6'2", weighs 319 pounds and creates problems in the backfield (13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks in 2014). He's going to open the game up for those around him because he requires a regular double-team. He'll also give Detroit options moving past 2015 (Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker only have one year remaining on their contracts) while becoming a critical part of the current defensive line rotation.

This is a good pick, and the Lions will be a better team if they're lucky enough to grab him.

Round 2

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Pick 54: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina

Again, there are always other options that are more appealing than a guard. Defensive back Eric Rowe (Utah) and running back Tevin Coleman (Indiana) would be excellent additions to their respective backfields, but that's exactly why I don't see them dropping this far.

However, any run on cornerbacks or running backs would give Detroit a great opportunity to solidify its offensive line with just one move by selecting A.J. Cann. Just check out this scouting report from Albert Breer of NFL.com: "Cann's testing numbers weren't great, but his ability to move stood out during the on-field drills at South Carolina's pro day, as did his flexibility to play at center. The functional athleticism Cann has to play his position is key, as is his strength; he posted 30 reps on the bench at his pro day."

That athleticism will be the key to his success in Detroit. Cann has a natural ability to create leverage while moving laterally, which is the basic premise of a zone-read scheme.

There's nothing sexy about a Cann pick. However, like Malcom Brown, he a player who can be plugged in right away and make your team better. So long as the Lions hold onto him and Larry Warford, they'll only need to worry about depth at the position for the next decade.

Round 3

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Pick 88: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

The third round will bring some panache in breaking with the boring tradition laid out by the first two picks.

Tyler Lockett will be an absolute steal in the third round. And it isn't unrealistic he could be available since the depth of the receiving position in this draft could rival the legendary 2014 class when the final tallies are marked.

The Lions' need for a receiver is a sneaky one too. There's nobody behind Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate who has proved much at this level, and we've all borne witness to Jeremy Ross' declining returning abilities.

Lockett can handle both of those issues with one third-round pick. Plus, he's likely to be the best player available here, making him a smart and likely pick.

He is mostly known for his speed and ability to create separation at the top of routes due to his quick-twitch ability. And as Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo explains, you shouldn't worry too much about his 5'10" frame:

"

Watching some Tyler Lockett film with @PFF_Sam; really fun to watch. Plays big, underrated player

— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) April 24, 2015"

Fans might groan when they see Detroit take another receiver, especially with someone like Stanford cornerback Alex Carter still on the board. But this pick would meet a lot more needs than meets the eye and give the offense another push toward respectability.

Round 5

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Pick 168: Max Valles, DE/OLB, Virginia

The Lions are always good for at least one pick that seemingly comes out of nowhere. This year it could be Max Valles in the fifth round.

General manager Martin Mayhew has shown an affinity for defensive linemen with height and length, and Valles checks in at 6'5" with 32 ⅝" arms that he uses to his advantage, again per Steve Palazzolo of PFF:

"

Max Valles led all edge rushers in the draft class with 9 batted passes. 6 other players tied for second with 4 apiece. #CFF

— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) March 6, 2015"

Valles doesn't have the athleticism of last year's developmental end, Larry Webster. Yet, his height falls in line with Devin Taylor's, and his ability to add weight to his frame could see him shuffled all along the line.

At this point in the draft, the Lions could go a multitude of directions from running back to offensive line depth without going wrong. But Detroit is always on the lookout for defensive line talent. That gives Valles the nod here.

Round 6

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Pick 200: Jalston Fowler, FB, Alabama

Jed Collins was never a huge part of last year's offense (252 snaps, per Pro Football Focus), and that's probably why the front office wasn't too concerned when he inked a deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

But this offense still needs a fullback. And it wouldn't hurt if he was someone whom SI.com's Aaron Nagler likes:

"

I love Jalston Fowler. Kid is a damn football player.

— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) March 25, 2015"

In more complex terms, Fowler is a 254-pound wrecking ball who is capable of blowing linebackers out of holes or grabbing passes out of the backfield. He'll do whatever is asked of him. And he'll enjoy doing it.

He'll be a great addition to the locker room because of his obvious love for the game. He'll be an even more welcome inclusion on the field because of his versatility, toughness and efficiency.

Round 7

Pick 240: Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern

Martin Mayhew loves developmental cornerbacks almost as much as he loves fixer-upper defensive ends.

In the past, we've seen him add Jonte Green, Chris Greenwood and Mohammed Seisay in the late rounds or after the draft. This year will bring Tray Walker from tiny Texas Southern, although there's nothing tiny about Walker.

He stands 6'2" with lanky arms that could afford to pack on some muscle. Yet despite only weighing 180 pounds, he fits Mayhew's mold because he excels at knocking receivers off their route at the line of scrimmage and challenging for the ball in the air.

To this point, he's been a relative secret, but Scott Bischoff of GM Junior Scouting thinks that's about to change:

"

Texas Southern CB Tray Walker is getting busy, and is very underrated in the draft media, he is going to get drafted earlier than most think

— Scott Bischoff (@Bischoff_Scott) April 15, 2015"

Big cornerbacks are all the rage these days. If Detroit can grab Walker late, it might be able to catch up to the trend.

All advanced stats, rankings and grades are courtesy of Pro Football Focus. All combine statistics are sourced from NFL.com.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.