If you've been following us throughout the draft process, then you know we've been high on the idea of the Detroit Lions drafting a receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. There's just been a lot of signs that point to the Lions being interested in one.
The signs are particularly pointing to the Lions looking for a certain type of receiver. That's the big bodied X receiver that can make contested catches and bully cornerbacks. Every receiver they talked to at the combine or guy they went to see at a pro day fits that bill. Plus the Lions just lost the closest thing they had to that in Josh Reynolds.
The problem the Lions are now finding themselves in is that all those receivers are beginning to work their way up the board. This is going to be a pretty offense heavy draft. Ohio State's Marvin Harrison, LSU's Malik Nabors, Washington's Rome Odunze, LSU's Brian Thomas and Texas' Adonai Mitchell will all be gone before the Lions pick at 29.
That's going to leave Detroit with their pick of South Carolina's Xavier Legette, Oregon's Troy Franklin, Florida's Ricky Pearsal, Florida State's Keon Coleman and Georgia's Ladd McConkey. If the Lions don't take one of those guys with the 29th pick, there's a very solid chance that they could all be gone before the Lions pick again at 61.
Just look at the teams right behind the Lions. The Ravens are looking for a receiver, the 49ers cold be in the market if they trade Brandon Aiyuk, the Chiefs really need one, the Panthers could use one, the Patriots and Chargers will be on the look out and the Titans, Saints, Colts, Giants, Eagles and Steelers will be too.
You get the picture? If the Lions want to fill this one, they're going to have to make it a priority. If they want a corner, they can wait. This draft is chock full of them. They could grab a solid pass rusher in the second round as well. A lot of draft experts are forcing an interior offensive lineman to the Lions early. It makes no sense when they could get a very good one in the second and beyond. Safety is low on everyone's boards and the best one's will be there later.
The one position of need for the Lions that is going to go fast is receiver. That's why they either need to take one at 29, trade up or trade down to the early part of the second round or they will be left holding the bag. We'll see what happens next week.
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