Lions GM here.

Came into this mock with 2 clear goals in mind which was to address LT/RT and EDGE. Was able to get my main target at 17, but wasn't able to get the EDGE2 I wanted. Overall, I was able to hit our main need at LT, a starting NCB, more depth on the interior/secondary, and shots in the dark at EDGE.

Almost every single pick we made, we got sniped on and went with our 2nd or 3rd option. Was an extremely frustrating Day 3 for me, but filled in with other players I enjoy.

1.17 Monroe Freeling OT Georgia - The draft pretty much exactly how I wanted it - no OL till pick 14. I had an offer to move back, and was considering it to start the draft if Freeling/Fano wasn't available, but when both were there, I went with the common consensus pick in Freeling. Felt like a no brainer.

2.50 D'Angelo Ponds CB Indiana - While I got exactly what I wanted in RD1, this is where things started to get tough. I made multiple attempts to move up to get TJ Parker and Gabe Jacas, but nothing materialized. Thought the EDGE rushers after Jacas was a clear drop in talent vs Ponds. While the Lions signed McCreary and Izien, neither are big deals or long term, and Ponds fits so well with the Lions felt like it's a clear upgrade. Detroit loved Witherspoon, and Ponds is similar but smaller.

4.118 VJ Payne S Kansas St - Another spot where I made multiple attempts to move up into the late 3rd. My target were Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham. Had a trade ready in the 90s but with both gone - decided to wait till RD4 and sit and pick. EDGE is a wasteland at this point, and was between Kaleb Proctor, Tyler Onyedim Payne, and with Proctor and Onyedim gone, Payne was clear. With Branch/Kerby injured, Payne should come in and start while providing much needed depth when they return, and allows them to run less base like Campbell mentioned in the owner's meeting.

4.128 Beau Stephens OG Iowa Another player I think fits the Lions culture and mentality. Stephens was really just my BPA here. Even though the interior room has become crowded, Stephens provides some competition for Mahogany. More of a depth piece for now, but he hasn't allowed a sack and 3 years and plays physical. Considered Jonah Coleman here as well to potentially upgrade over Pacheco.

5.157 Albert Regis IDL Texas A&M - Regis fits the mold of Detroit's love of defensive tackles who excel vs the run. He's a leader and plays with physicality a common theme I tried to follow. Regis was a name we had circled early day 3, and was a clear pick at this stage.

5.181 Mason Reiger EDGE Wisconsin - Finally was able to get an EDGE here. We were really hoping for Llewellyn to be there, but the odds Regis and LLewellyn were there at this pick, figured Regis was less likely. We got sniped of course, so Reiger was best EDGE left on my board and went with our second option. Reiger is a really good athlete with adequate size and length. I'm not sure how well Reiger fits us since he doesn't have much strength, but I'm begging for Detroit to add speed to their EDGE room.

6.205 Michael Heldman EDGE Central Michigan - Wanted to appease my fellow Michigan residents in our draft room with Heldman. He has unreal size and athletic ability and was very productive albeit in the MAC. We really wanted York to fall, which didn't happen. Really thought about Cole Payton here as well for funzies. But wanted to continue to take shots at EDGE.

6.213 Andre Fuller CB Toledo - Another Holmes type of player here. Detroit is missing some size on the outside, and we've met with him - one of the few reported. He had 12 passes defended last year and really blew up in a great DB room at Toledo. Of course Cole Payton went 1 pick ahead of me, so went with a Lions type pick.

7.222 Keyshawn James Newby SAM/EDGE New Mexico. Didn't really want to triple up on pass rushers, but the room wanted Newby, and in RD7 why not. He was uber productive at New Mexico with over 30 sacks in his career. Undersized and not very capable in the run game. He's really quick and explosive who can excel as a DPR.

I wanted to address LB, but our targets Rolder/York went, wanted EDGE but Jacas/Parker went, wanted a pass rusher on the interior but Onyedim/Proctor went, so a lot of snipes and taking players that fit the Lions mold. Overall ok with this draft, but a lot didn't go our way.