The Lions’ early 2027 NFL Draft scouting trail is already giving us some interesting names to keep an eye on
Detroit has sent scouts to five college games over the first three weeks of the season, putting them in position to get early looks at several prospects who could make sense next April.
The Detroit Lions’ season is under way, but so is the college football season and, therefore, so is NFL Draft season. NFL Draft season never leaves us. It tucks us in at night after telling us stories of its latest mock draft.
During the season, we’re going to do our best to tell you who the Lions are watching. In the last three weeks, the Lions have had scouts at the following games:
- Ohio State vs Texas
- NC State vs Vanderbilt
- UVA vs West Virginia
- Utah State vs Utah
- Ohio State vs Ball State
So let’s talk about some of the players the Lions might be looking at here.
Ohio State
Right off the bat, there’s quarterback Julian Sayin. The Lions are likely to be one of the teams that gets interested in drafting a quarterback in a draft that is expected to be one of the deepest quarterback drafts we’ve ever seen. Right now, Sayin is projected to go in the early second round.
The other guy that comes to mind is safety Jaylen McClain. With the uncertainty around Kerby Joseph, the Lions may want to keep an eye out for what is out there. McLain is currently projected to go in the mid-to-late second round.
Texas
Well, there’s obviously Arch Manning. The Lions are not likely to have a shot at him, as he’s projected to be the first pick in the draft. But if he falls somehow, which can happen, they’ll have some Intel on him.
Offensive lineman Brandon Baker is one to keep an eye on. He’s primarily been a tackle in college, but he figures as a guard in the NFL. He’s projected to go in the fourth round right now. There’s also safety Jelani McDonald, who is projected to go in the fourth round as well.
NC State
Safety King Mack is worth it just for the name. I mean, come on, King Mack. That is the name of a hero in a 70s Blaxploitation film, and he would put Dolemite and Shaft to shame. At this point, I’m begging the Lions to make this pick in the fourth-fifth round.
There’s also quarterback CJ Bailey, who is projected to go in the third round of April’s draft. A big-bodied quarterback, 6-foot-6 inches tall and 213 pounds. He can stand in the pocket, and he gets mobile. An interesting watch. Although he did have the worst possible moment a quarterback could have over the weekend. He shouldn’t be defined by it though.
Other players to watch:
- S Brandyn Hillman: Virginia
- CB Martel Hight: Vanderbilt
- CB Jordan Mathews: Vanderbilt
- CB Earl Parker: Utah
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