Detroit Lions NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Mesidor is a force off the edge. Lions Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson certainly approves of this selection, although Detroit might opt to address the offensive line here. Could this be a spot for Alabama's Kadyn Proctor or Clemson's Blake Miller?

The Lions informed the league they'd be open to fielding calls and trading down. Perhaps the teams below us didn't have service. Ultimately, the decision at No. 17 came down to Freeling and Auburn edge Keldric Faulk. Faulk might be Detroit's type as a powerful pocket crusher, but you could argue the Lions need an edge with a more refined pass-rush plan. Considering the depth at edge in this class compared with tackle, it felt right to address the offensive line here, with left tackle Taylor Decker mulling retirement. No. 21 in Brugler's top 100, Freeling (6-7, 315 pounds with 34-inch arms) looks the part of a franchise tackle and can really move in space. He'll also have former Georgia teammate and current Lions right guard Tate Ratledge to help ease the transition. There's also a chance Decker sticks around another year to mentor him.

Cashius Howell is a high-motor, productive pass rusher who has shown the ability to line up at different spots. He's probably not somebody you want dropping into coverage a lot, which could make him less attractive to some teams, but the Lions need another edge to take some of the load off Aidan Hutchinson.

Parker had an underwhelming 2025 season, but he bounced back in a big way at the Senior Bowl. I think he's climbing draft boards once again.

With Taylor Decker's future uncertain, the Lions must shore up the left tackle spot. Freeling is a player I'm higher on than most draft analysts, ranking him third among offensive tackles. I believe he has a real shot to skyrocket his draft stock between now and April. Freeling has only 18 career starts and under 1,600 snaps played, but the upside is massive. He stands at nearly 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds with 35-inch arms; those measurables combined with great pass protection skills are hard to find. Freeling allowed only two sacks last season.

While the center position might be the most important area for the Lions' offense to improve this season, a tackle succession plan might not be too far behind, especially now that Dan Skipper is retiring. Lomu plays calm with light feet, and he has a good frame but could stand to add strength to take his game to the next level. I'm bullish on Lomu and think he could end up as a good starter on the blindside as he matures. A timeline behind Taylor Decker with Hank Fraley coaching him would be an ideal situation.

Aidan Hutchinson draws too many double teams, so it'd be wise for the Lions to get another edge rusher to pair opposite him. Edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad might also cash in on his 11-sack year in free agency this year. Mesidor is massive, weighing 280 pounds. He is older, though, as he'll be 25 when he's drafted in April.