Way-Too-Early 3-Round 2027 Detroit Lions Mock Draft: The Lions go all in on the future in the first round

The Lions think about the future at multiple positions, including quarterback. Also, we start thinking about rehab after doing a mock draft for a draft that’s a year away

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans offensive lineman Micah Banuelos (59), quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) and USC Trojans defensive end Jadyn Ramos (95) celebrate after defeating the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images ayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

I truly have a problem. When I started really getting into the NFL Draft stuff a few years ago, I told myself I could handle it. I said, “You won’t get addicted. You can quit whenever you want.” Now here I am in a back alley doing a three-round mock draft for a draft that’s a year away just to get a fix.

Here it is. My way-too-early 2027 three-round mock for the Detroit Lions.

24th pick: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC

Yeah, I’m going with a quarterback. By the time this draft rolls around, Jared Goff will be pushing 33-years-old and will have two years left on his deal with the Lions. I’m not saying Goff is guaranteed to be done after those two years.

But I am saying it’s time to start thinking about the future, and Maiava is that guy, in my opinion. He’s a dual threat who can throw the ball a quarter mile and can get out of the pocket. Sit him on the bench for a couple of years, and he’s ready to go as a starter in 2029.

56th pick: Mark Fletcher Jr., RB, Miami

When you think about running backs who can be similar to David Montgomery or Isiah Pacheco, Fletcher is that guy. A due who can lower the shoulder and bowling ball his way through the line, but can also juke a guy out of his cleats downfield. Just watch Fletcher during the college football playoffs last year. The guy is so much fun to watch.

88th pick: Kade Pieper, IOL, Iowa

I’m not saying Cade Mays is not going to be a good center for the Lions, but like quarterback, having a backup plan or a plan for the future is always a good thing to do. Not only can he play center for the Lions, but he also has a lot of experience at guard. So maybe you can see him as a replacement for Christian Mahogany if Mahogany hasn’t been fully healed from his injuries last year.

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