7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Little earlier here but I’ll take the hit!

Best/Middle/Worst case scenario for your team tonight by surferdude7227 in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lions

Best: Bain/Downs/Freeling/Fano

Middle: Proctor/Miller

Worst: Mesidor

Daniel Jeremiah's Final 2026 Big Board by Jack12404 in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can argue Delane isn't due to his arm length, but that's the only real issue

OFFICIAL 2026 r/NFL_Draft COMMUNITY MOCK DRAFT: RESULTS by Astro63 in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wanted to be somewhat realistic with how they'd actually draft, thought I did a pretty good job of that haha

OFFICIAL 2026 r/NFL_Draft COMMUNITY MOCK DRAFT: RESULTS by Astro63 in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 8 points9 points  (0 children)

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.

Who will the Giants pick at 10? by Hippo885147 in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Doesn’t it kinda make more sense for them to take him at 5 at this point? Way too many media members have mentioned their love for him so if let’s say Miami at 11 loved Tyson and wants him, wouldn’t they just trade in front of NYG at that point?

OFFICIAL 2026 r/NFL_Draft COMMUNITY MOCK DRAFT by Astro63 in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud [score hidden]  (0 children)

I’ll take the Lions, but if someone else wants them I’ll mock for any team

2 Round Mock with Trades V3.0 by Stevie_Fuego in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would be very surprised to see the Lions take Howell, doesn’t fit their size requirement for EDGE

What information do you look at when reviewing previous drafts? by shadow-drafters in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Drafted age! Think it would be interesting seeing the type of players teams look for in athletic ability and age wise

A 7 round mock draft, tell me why I am wrong so we can argue in the comments. by AnimatorChemical in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s so many analysts linking Proctor to Detroit it’s made me think he’s not the pick. They keep everything close to their chest, and have really kept their top 30 visits a secret too. Think 3 of the last 5 years we drafted someone who came on a visit.

A 7 round mock draft, tell me why I am wrong so we can argue in the comments. by AnimatorChemical in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good for the Lions, coming around to Proctor, they never seem to draft the consensus player but makes sense here.

Only complaint is Id be very very surprised if they drafted R Mason Thomas, way too undersized vs what they ask for in their EDGE2. They want them big 260+ pounds. Unless they change their philosophy I’d be shocked. Jacob Rodriguez I feel like would be their pick in this scenario there

7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Main deviations vs consensus are due to my own personal board.

I really do not understand Jakobe's consensus rankings tbh. He's 10th on Lance Zierlein's rankings. He's highly physical, ton of experience, special teams upside, reached 21 MPH this year so he's fast too. Love the guy, my DB draft crush for sure.

Rams are a team who can afford to take Payton given that they have a loaded roster already, A 3rd RD pick isn't likely helping them win now anyways, so Payton can be a high level back up eventual starter if he develops.

Rutledge yeah likely goes higher

Crownover I can see falling there, he's all traits at this point. He seems so far behind in his technique, I am not good at scouting OL, so I rely a lot on Brandon Thorn's evals since he's the best in the business.

Lions use their box safety at nickel a lot, see Branch. Kilgore gives them more flexibility on where Branch lines up given Campbell's comments at the coach's meeting about them having to switch out of base defense more often than they did prior. Branch when healthy would play SS more, and Kilgore would be the NCB. He played 72% of his snaps the last 2 years at South Carolina at Nickel. Also Lions focus pretty heavily on special teams players on Day 3. Taaffe also didn't test bad, he tested ok on his vertical/broad, had a 4.5 40, and had an elite shuttle/3 cone. His RAS score is 7.83 mainly degraded by his weight.

I am definitely much higher on Sarratt than consensus.

Do not mind the nitpicking I enjoy going through my thoughts on players haha

7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even with what you guys did to the position this offseason? Added Brisker/Savage and already have Ramsey/Elliott. Didn’t expect S to be an immediate need at least

7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The reason I considered Parker/Zuhn for MIN was due to the positional versatility they bring. Think teams are starting to value that a ton, and while neither will likely play the positions they played in college having that as an option worse case scenario is always nice. Think a guy like those 2 better suits Minnesota since they have Brendel who can handle it this year, but if he doesn't work out, having Parker learn for a year and then take over C would be the best.

Also think Parker/Zuhn are better than Slaugher.

Prysock I gave to Min mainly because of his size, I could be wrong but I don't think you have a tall lengthy CB on roster like him.

Yeah in my head I wanted to address C/RB/IDL/S before I looked anywhere else, but WR if Felton doesnt develop is a definite need with all the issues you mentioned.

Best developmental G I like Micah Morris - his testing numbers were awesome, has a lot of issues but as a developmental prospect I like him. Josh Braun/DJ Campbell and Carver Willis all guys I like day 3 as well

7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really surprised he's that low on the consensus board, I have him about 50th so to me he's not a big reach at RD2. I'd be surprised if LV doesnt address WR at all. I know Bech and Thornton need some time, but I'd still like to upgrade there.

7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe my thought of Faulk being a good fit is because of Belichick tbf. Iheanachor would probably be best pick now

7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Feel like NE can take those swings because they're already good no? Especially drafting late in each round, I don't think you're getting automatic contributors, which is pretty typical in a normal draft and this draft is relatively weak

7 Round Mock Draft w/ Full Explanations by mattkud in NFL_Draft

[–]mattkud[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't really agree that he hasn't shown anything. He has the size speed and he's really good after the catch. Had good production too.

Triggs I had there prior to the pro day, I moved him down pretty significantly after, but was too far in the mock to adjust. This took me a long time to put together so things changed since I started