2027 Lions 7-round mock draft: Detroit lands a 6-foot-4 CB, then makes a fascinating QB decision in Round 2
Detroit attacks its biggest need three different times, trades up for one of my favorite defensive fits and uses a deep quarterback class to start thinking about life after Jared Goff.
I know it’s early. The Detroit Lions are 3-2 and coming off their most impressive win of the season. But the bye week is the best time of the year to do a 2027 NFL mock draft. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a little addicted to mocking and scouting, so here’s a full seven-round mock for the Lions.
Round 1, 22nd pick: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
The Lions have to find a cornerback. We know that. Jones is a 6-foot-4 corner with excellent length, good speed, and the ability to play man coverage, which is what Detroit wants to do. Finding somebody that big who can run and play man is rare.
In 2025, opposing quarterbacks completed just 28.9% of their passes when targeting Jones. That’s incredible in the SEC. He also had 11 pass breakups and two interceptions.
He isn’t a finished product. He has to get stronger, and there are questions about how smoothly he changes direction against sharp-breaking routes and smaller, quicker receivers. I’m willing to bet on the upside. Jones could develop into a true No. 1 outside corner, and even if he doesn’t get there right away, he’s a starter. Getting that guy at 22 is big.
Round 2, 54th pick: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
Here’s the thing. Jared Goff has been electric since signing his extension. He’s been one of the best quarterbacks in the league. But Goff turns 32 the day this article comes out, and he isn’t getting any younger.
Goff is under contract through 2028, and I think some sort of small extension or restructure is coming before the 2027 season since his cap hit that year sits a little over $60 million. In a draft this deep at quarterback, the Lions would be remiss not to get involved.
Taking Sayin is like drafting Goff all over again. He’s not going to be super mobile, but he has a quick release, throws with anticipation, and puts the football where his receivers can make plays. Detroit doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel with a scrambler. A player like Caleb Williams wouldn’t work in this offense. Sayin would.
Give him a couple of years on the bench learning from Goff and the former NFL quarterbacks on this coaching staff, and you don’t know what he could become. At 54, he doesn’t need to be a superstar right now.
Round 3, 71st pick (via trade): Jelani McDonald, S, Texas
In this trade, the Lions send picks 85 and 201 to the San Francisco 49ers to move up to 71.
Detroit needs safety help. We don’t know what Kerby Joseph’s future looks like, and the Lions have had scouts at Texas games at least three times that I can confirm. McDonald has to be one of the reasons why.
He’s one of my favorite fits in this entire draft. McDonald is 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and he can line up deep, come down into the box, or handle the slot. He led Texas with 80 tackles in 2025 and added three interceptions. He gets after the run, he has ball-hawk ability, and you can move him around depending on the matchup. That’s everything the Lions love.
Keith Abney made a strong case for himself against the Cardinals, but I still think you draft a safety, and McDonald is the guy to watch.
Round 4, 123rd pick: Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan
Yes, another cornerback. Have you watched the Lions’ secondary this season? There’s nothing wrong with throwing multiple darts at this position.
Hill is 6-foot-2 with good speed and recovery ability, and he’s handled both man and zone at Michigan. In 2025, he allowed a 52.1% completion rate and earned a 76 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Consistency is the concern. His eye discipline and reaction to route breaks still need work. In the fourth round, though, you’re looking for traits. At this point, I’d be shocked if any of Detroit’s current cornerbacks are still here next year. Hill and Jones are a good place to start.
Round 5, 160th pick: Mark Fletcher Jr., RB, Miami
Sione Vaki has looked fine. I just think he’s a better RB3 and superb special teams player than an RB2. Jahmyr Gibbs is handling the load well, but you want someone who can spell him.
Fletcher runs a lot like David Montgomery. He’s a physical downhill runner with good contact balance who piles up yards after contact. He won’t outrun everybody, but he’ll punish anyone who gets in his way. That’s what you want in a backup.
Round 6, 216th pick: King Mack, S, NC State
Look, part of the reason I’m picking him is that King Mack sounds like a 1970s action hero. But he’s an athlete.
Mack started at Penn State, played for Alabama, went back to Penn State, and is now at NC State. In 2025, he made eight starts for Penn State and finished with 58 tackles. He also has experience making plays on the ball, with an interception and three pass breakups on his college résumé.
He won state titles in multiple sprinting events in high school, too.
The Lions have been wary of players who bounce around programs, and this is his third school. Still, he’s a project with speed who can help right away if needed.
Round 7, 243rd pick: J’Mond Tapp, EDGE, Memphis
Detroit’s defensive line is loaded, so this is purely a best-player-available pick. Before transferring to Memphis, Tapp posted 70 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks at Southern Mississippi. In the seventh round, see what you’ve got.
Round 7, 254th pick: Boo Carter, CB, Colorado
Three cornerbacks in one draft. Carter, a Tennessee transfer, can play outside, inside, safety, and nickel, and he can help in the return game. That positional versatility is exactly why the Lions would be interested.
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