The Detroit Lions Draft Options in the First Round
Detroit has made a few offseason moves to get them ready for the 2024 NFL Draft. Brad Holmes has stated before that he likes to go into the draft with no position needs. Heading into the 2024 Draft, Detroit doesn’t have any major holes needing to be filled and will most likely pick a defensive end or cornerback.
With the 29th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, Detroit will look to fill a defensive spot to give their secondary firepower or give Aiden Hutchinson some help on the edge. The first option Detroit could go with is Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama. He has been a top cornerback in college football for the past two seasons and has proven his abilities on the field. After Detroit released Cam Sutton due to his arrest warrant they could use a promising corner. A big question for the Lions in this draft is who will still be available. Brad Holmes has his top options but having the 29th pick could narrow down his list. McKinstry is 21 years old and is 6’1” 195 pounds. He has played for Alabama for three years and became a top 5 cornerback prospect in the NFL Draft. He is known for his great zone coverage awareness and is just as good at man coverage. One thing that he will need improvement on in the NFL is his run-game tackling. McKinstry’s awareness and length are what has made him unique from the other corners in the Draft.
Photo Credit: Brandon Sumrall
Another option for Detroit is the defensive end from Penn State Chop Robinson. He would work great on the opposite end of Hutchinson and help the Lion’s defensive line pressure the quarterback. Robinson has played for Penn State for three years and is 6’3” 250 pounds. He has been a dominating force for Penn State and Detroit could use some firepower to help Hutchinson. If Chop Robinson is available at the 29th pick there is a good chance he heads to Detroit. Robinson is quick and he can get off the line fast. He also can attack the interior as well. Adding Robinson to Detroit’s defense would be a great first-round pick.
Photo Credit: Matthew O'Haren, USA Today
As the 2024 NFL Draft gets closer, Brad Holmes is finalizing his list of who he wants to take with the 29th pick. Picking so late will likely narrow down the options for who Detroit will have available to take. A defensive end and help in the secondary are the two spots Detroit will likely go. If either Kool-Aid McKinstry or Chop Robinson is available, one of them will likely become a Detroit Lion. Brad Holmes always has tricks up his sleeve, and he can be unpredictable. If neither player is available we could see things get very interesting in Detroit.
