Way-too-early Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft preview

The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit. Here is the first-round order, per Tankathon. 

Despite posting one of the most successful seasons in the franchise's history, many will remember the 2023 Detroit Lions as the team that blew a second-half lead in the NFC Championship Game. One of the first steps toward putting the sour taste of last season behind them is to have a strong showing at this year's draft, where they'll have an opportunity to add impactful talent in the opening round.  

2023 record: 12-5 | First-round pick: No. 29 | Team needs: CB, Edge, OL 

Potential first-round picks: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama; EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State; T Graham Barton, Duke  

After finishing 27th against the pass, upgrading the secondary is a must for the Lions this offseason. If they choose the draft to do so, McKinstry could be a low-risk, high-reward type of pick at No. 29. 

Regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in this year's draft class, McKinstry may see his stock drop after being diagnosed with a Jones fracture at the combine, though reports indicate he should be ready to go by training camp. Last year, he earned the eighth-highest grade (88.8) among CBs, per Pro Football Focus, and would seamlessly slot into a starting spot alongside former Alabama teammate Brian Branch. 

Staying on the defensive side of the ball, Robinson would be a compelling choice to upgrade the edge. In 2023, he recorded four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in 10 games while earning the fourth-highest pass-rushing grade (92.3) per PFF. A tantalizing mixture of speed and athleticism who can accelerate from "0-to-60 in a blink," according to Dan Brugler of The Athletic, the Penn State product could be the disruptive force the Lions have been searching for to line up opposite star Aidan Hutchinson.

Alternatively, the Lions could also use a versatile addition like Barton along the offensive with several guards and tackles scheduled to hit free agency, including starters Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow.

Surprisingly agile, standing at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Barton was the 27th-graded tackle (75.9) in all of college football last season, per PFF. His skill set could allow him to rotate between guard and tackle if necessary, which could be an invaluable asset for a suddenly thin Lions' offensive line.