Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft: Efficiency that would make Brad Holmes proud
After years of missteps, mistakes and outright misses, the Detroit Lions have a general manager in Brad Holmes who simply outshines his peers in the draft (by one notable metric, anyway). The roster that reached the NFC Championship Game last year is mostly intact, and even upgraded in a couple areas.
That puts the Lions in an enviable position to take the best player available throughout the 2024 draft, which is their general philosophy anyway. Holmes is likely to be eyeing moves around the draft board if they make sense, and a move up or down from No. 29 overall in the first round is equally possible. Once and for all to put it to bed, the fact the draft is in Detroit will have no bearing on the Lions' strategy and it doesn't mean they won't trade out of the first round.
Using Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator, and standing pat with each pick this time around, here's a new seven-round mock draft for the Lions heading into the last full week before the 2024 draft.
Detroit Lions' 7-round mock draft
Round 1 (pick No. 29): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Cornerback lands back on the Lions' radar in the first round after the release of Cameron Sutton, and a deep class at the position allows them to see who falls (someone who shouldn't surely will). McKinstry fell right into my lap here, and I couldn't turn it down. A foot injury that was discovered at the combine does not appear likely to impact his availability for training camp, and he's a Day 1 starter after being a three-year starter for Nick Saban.
More interceptions might be nice to see on his college stat sheet, with just one over the last two seasons). But McKinstry broke up 22 passes over that span, and last season he allowed a 48.7 percent completion rate and a 73.1 passer rating in his coverage (per PFF). When he was far more heavily targeted in 2022 (80 targets), those numbers were a notch or two better (46.3 percent completion rate, 57.9 passer rating allowed).
We know how Holmes likes Alabama players. McKinstry is an easy addition to the group here at No. 29.