It's never too early to think about 2027, right?
We've already written about which picks will be owned by the Detroit Lions in 2027, with nine expected to head Detroit's way (seven regular picks and two compensatory picks). They have a ton of capital heading into what's hopefully a season following a deep postseason run, and even a Super Bowl win.
That's good asset management from general manager Brad Holmes. It allows the team to still address any holes on the roster then, even if the team is hugely successful in 2026.
One hole that could still exist for the team next year is at cornerback. Terrion Arnold's ability to stay available for a full season is questionable, and D.J. Reed had a really middling year to kick off his first season in Detroit. We still don't know what to expect out of Ennis Rakestraw Jr., either, for similar reasons to Arnold.
That's why it makes sense that a way-too-early 2027 mock draft, conducted by Saturday Blitz's Nicholas Rome, has Detroit landing one of the best projected cornerbacks in that class: Kelley Jones.
Lions land budding star in Jones in way-too-early 2027 mock draft
Rome writes in his mock draft that the Lions will need to keep a close on the development of their suddenly very young cornerback room ahead of next year.
"The 2026 season will be a pivotal season for some of the Detroit Lions' young cornerbacks as the team pushes for a Super Bowl. Mississippi State star Kelley Jones has a massive frame with elite speed, which could make him an instant star at cornerback in the NFL."
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Jones is a tall, strong cornerback who could bring immediate size to a very small Lions cornerback room. He was All-SEC third team in 2025 at cornerback, piecing together 11 passes defended and two interceptions, in addition to 34 total tackles. Watching tape of Jones, you're immediately struck by his imposing size and ball hawk tendencies.
He hasn't generated a ton of turnovers just yet in his career, but his junior season at Mississippi State should give him ample opportunity to add that to his repertoire.
Keith Abney II is likely about to get a shot at dethroning Rakestraw Jr. on the depth chart, and to compete for snaps with veterans Roger McCreary and Christian Izien. As for an outside corner competition, Jones could provide just that as soon as next year, if this mock draft holds up.
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