NFL draft scenarios: 3 ways Lions can attack needs in first 3 rounds

The Detroit Lions are in the final stages of putting together their draft board. Lions president Rod Wood said the team brought in its medical staff this week to go over the injury history of prospects who could go high in the draft for what he jokingly referred to as “The Dream Killer Meeting, because you fall in love with players and then you find out all these issues that you have to be aware of. ” On Friday, the Lions were set to go through mock draft scenarios as they try to map out not just the pool of players that will be available to them with the 17 th pick of the first round but who might slip to them later in the draft as well.

In similar fashion, this has become one of my favorite exercises of draft season, mocking out the Lions’ picks for the first two days and conjuring up different scenarios for how the Lions can best use their draft capital. This year, the Lions have nine picks: No. 17 in Round 1, No.

50 in Round 2 and seven more picks on Day 3. I can’t see them making a big move up in the first round given the price, their lack of a third-round choice and the reluctance they and others are likely to have parting with premium picks in what looks like a strong 2027 draft. I can see them landing a player they love at 17 – I did two beat writer mock drafts this week and was pleasantly surprised by the choices available in both – or moving down in Round 1, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Brad Holmes adds a third-round pick to his war chest to draft another rookie who could contribute this fall.

Here are three scenarios I see playing out for how the first three rounds could unfold next week: MORE: Why Lions don't need to see LaPorta, Branch play before finalizing extensions Rock chalk No. 17: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia No. 50: Gabe Jacas, Edge, Illinois The Lions’ biggest needs are offensive tackle and defensive end and they address both in this scenario by staying put and letting the board come to them.