Detroit Lions mock draft: Consolidating assets to target specific players

In the first round, I had my eye on a trade up if a certain player fell far enough. As the top-10 filled out without said player being taken, I started working the metaphorical phone. If I wanted this player, it was going to take a lot to move up and get him. It felt fortunate he fell past No. 12, so I got aggressive.

Based on the famous Jimmy Johnson pick value chart (h/t to Drafttek), I gave up 932 points in 2024 draft capital and acquired 1,100 points. Add in the 2025 draft capital, using the same point total for the No. 61 pick this year (292 points) and where Philadelphia's fourth-rounder is this year (54 points), we land on giving up 1,280 points.

Who's the player I wanted so badly?

First Round, Pick No. 14: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Over his final three seasons as Toledo, Mitchell had 45 pass breakups (37 over the last two seasons). More interceptions would have been nice (just one in 2023), but he is arguably the best cornerback in this draft class-and it's a deep class at the position.

Any concerns about the level of competition Mitchell faced in college were put to bed by what he did against higher level competition at the Senior Bowl. Then he went on to the NFL Combine, measured 6-foot and 195 points, did 20 bench press reps and did very well in athletic testing (38-inch high jump, 10-foot-two-inch broad jump and a 4.33 40-yard dash).

Mitchell was Pro Football Focus' No. 1-graded cornerback in college football each of the last two seasons. He got top-notch marks in coverage, as a run defender and as a tackler. The last point is important based on what Holmes and new defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend has said about tackling being a critical element they want (however obviously).

Simply put, I wanted Mitchell, so I did what it took to get him.