Mock draft season will end as soon as the NFL draft begins on April 24 — but until then, we can speculate on who the Detroit Lions are going to select with their first-round pick.
And if NFL experts have any insight, the Lions are probably selecting an edge rusher.
That's the main idea among the most recent crop of mock drafts: an edge rusher or defensive end to pair with returning defensive stalwart Aidan Hutchinson. The only question among these experts is which defender the Lions will choose.
[ Think you know football? Play our mock draft challenge for a chance to win! ]
Though NFL analysts suspect the Lions will focus on fortifying their defense with their first-round selection, it's not the consensus opinion. One recent mock draft has the Lions selecting an offensive lineman with the 28th overall pick, while adding that the team's biggest focus is still probably at the edge position.
Let's take a look at the most recent roundup of mock drafts:
USA TODAY: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Last week, ISA TODAY's Nate Davis had the Lions trading their first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders — but Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz sees it different this week, saying the Lions will select Harmon.
The Detroit-born defensive tackle began his career at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon for the 2024 season. And though Harmon doesn't profile as an edge rusher, Middlehurst-Schwartz believes Harmon can help shore up a defensive unit that suffered many injuries in 2024:
"Comfortable attacking from almost anywhere, Harmon would surely be a welcome addition to a defense that looks desperate to set the tone up front."
