ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has released his latest mock draft, and this edition has the Lions targeting a wide receiver in the first round.
With the No. 29 overall pick, the Lions added South Carolina wide receiver Xaxier Legette.
After free agency, general manager Brad Holmes has targeted several areas of need, most notably on defense.
The recent addition of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler addressed the expected loss of starting left guard Jonah Jackson, who signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
With team needs addressed, Holmes and the front office are free to sign the best player available at No. 29, which could be at the wide receiver position.
"How good is this Detroit roster? General manager Brad Holmes has done a stellar job since he was hired in 2021," writes Kiper. "He filled the Lions' biggest offseason hole with the trade for underrated cornerback Carlton Davis, which gives him some flexibility here. I'd like to see the Lions add another playmaker for quarterback Jared Goff."
Based on the list of reported official visits, the Lions are targeting a big-bodied wideout that can play the "X" spot.
"Legette is rising in my rankings after he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and tested well in the other drills at the combine. While I will quibble with South Carolina for listing him at 6-foot-3 when he's actually 6-foot-1, I won't hold that against him. He had a fantastic 2023 season, with 1,255 receiving yards while averaging 17.7 yards per catch. He dominated cornerbacks on crossing routes, lining up in the slot and outside. This is a way to keep improving the Detroit offense."
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