New Lions NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

The Lions are looking to return to the top of the NFC North after missing the playoffs last season. A combination of injuries and offensive regression derailed them.

Look for head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes to be decisive in getting the team back to beating the NFL's best.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Lions will do with the No. 17 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selection (No. 17): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

The Detroit Lions have featured arguably the league's best offensive line for the last few seasons. Taylor Decker's insistence to be released, which the organization obliged, quickly and drastically changed the math.

The Lions need a rookie tackle who can hit the ground running. Blake Miller started every single game after stepping onto Clemson's campus, with 54 in total. He can immediately take over at right tackle, with Detroit not missing a beat.

"All-Pro Penei Sewell is already rumored to be making the switch from the right to left side, partly because it's his natural position and likely because this draft class has more first-round caliber right tackle options," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "Miller is one of the safest prospects in the group due to elite football character, breadth of experience and well-rounded skill set. He also brings the physical, aggressive demeanor the Lions prefer, thus easily fitting into the team's well-established culture."

---

Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selection (No. 17): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 17): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 17): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 17): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 17): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selection (No. 17): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 17): Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

Summary

The Lions were often overmatched in the trenches against the top teams last season. Campbell won't allow that to happen again. They will likely select an offensive tackle, as there should be a few highly-rated prospects available at the position they are drafting.