Detroit Lions NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Lions exercised the fifth-year option on Jameson Williams, which is for the 2026 season. Leading up to the draft, SI's Albert Breer wrote that "some in NFL circles believing [Williams] could be traded." Antonio Williams led Clemson in receiving across the board (75/904/11) in 2024, added 7/101/1 rushing and became the fourth Clemson player since 2000 to throw, catch and run for a touchdown in the same season. Much of his sophomore season was wiped out by injury, but he also led Clemson in receiving yards as a true freshman in 2022 as well.

The younger brother of D.J. Uiagalelei has been impactful since arriving in Eugene. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound pass rusher recorded 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and even one interception last season alone. Jordan Burch, Jamaree Caldwell and Derrick Harmon are gone from that Ducks defensive line. The future lies in the hands of talented prospects like defensive tackle Bear Alexander and Uiagalelei.

The Lions surprisingly did not draft an edge rusher until the sixth round this year (Ahmed Hassanein). Aidan Hutchinson played only five games last season (broken leg), but he was still the only Lions player with more than four sacks. Howell -- who could be a big riser in this class -- can help. He spent much of 2024 behind Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton but starred in the Las Vegas Bowl, finishing with a sack and an interception.

The brother of former FSU/Clemson quarterback DJ, Matayo Uiagalelei generated 10.5 sacks and is arguably the most disruptive EDGE in the Big Ten. He would form a game-wrecking duo with Aidan Hutchinson that could spell doom for NFC North offenses.

Stewart's speed catches your eye, but he has a chance to become an all-around threat at receiver after another year in Eugene, Ore. With the Lions potentially looking to move on from Jameson Williams, Stewart could be an excellent replacement who can play off Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit.

Saka has yet to start a game in college, so this might seem a tad early for him. But he consistently flashed on tape as a subpackage rusher (see the Maryland game), and his traits haven't gone unnoticed by NFL scouts.

With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, the Lions appear set at receiver. However, the latter is going to command big dollars should Detroit exercise their fifth-year option or choose to extend him further. Otherwise, they'll need to replace him. Flashy performances against Penn State and Ohio State in last year's playoffs could be the spark that propels Greathouse into the first-round conversation.

Controlling the line of scrimmage will always be paramount for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, and Detroit could again address its interior offensive line after taking guard Tate Ratledge in the second round this year. Green isn't on the same level as his former Missouri linemate Armand Membou, but he's an ascendant prospect who's steady in both the pass and run game.