We’ve reached the final day of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Detroit Lions spent the first two sticking to their board, adding a pair of high-end cornerback prospects in the process.
With four picks to go, but none until the end of the fifth round, we’ll see what Brad Holmes and company come up with. This is the portion of the draft where you see the most variety. Every team’s board is different. A seventh-round prospect to one might be a fourth-rounder to another.
It’s all about finding depth and maybe a diamond in the rough or two.
The Lions’ potential top options:
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
A speedy wideout who’s been compared to DJ Chark, but needs refinement.
Austin Booker, edge, Kansas
An inexperienced, but not quite raw, edge prospect with a good set of tools with which to work. Booker could be a sub-package rotational player as a rookie, while growing into a starter.
Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College
Mahogany has the look of a 12-year vet in this league who gets the job done. The Lions could use a long-term replacement for Kevin Zeitler.
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Needs more polishing, particularly with his route running, but he’s got size and speed to win downfield.
Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
Mustafa lacks the desired ball skills you look for, but he’s an excellent tackler and can provide immediate depth at safety.
Dominique Hampton, S, Washington
A safety with an impressive size/speed combination, Hampton projects as a third safety with special teams value. The Lions could use more in the room.
Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State
An early backup at guard and center who could become a starter in due time.
Javon Baker, WR, UCF
Baker, a former Alabama WR, can make all the contested catches. He needs to continue developing his route tree but there are tools with which to work.
Brenden Rice, WR, USC
The son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, Brenden Rice is looking to make a name for himself in the NFL. He’s a solid route runner with a knack for the end zone. Could contribute early as a rotational X receiver.
Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
If the first and early second round is too rich for a team with future center needs, Bortolini could be the guy on Day 3. He’s athletic (broke Jason Kelce’s combine three-cone record with a 7.16 time) and one of the smartest players in the class (recruited by Harvard and Yale).
Nelson Ceaser, edge, Houston
A rotational pass-rusher who could provide extra juice if the Lions are looking for some. They’ve met with him during the pre-draft process.
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