The Detroit Lions are projected to pick Alabama edge rusher Devan Thompkins with the 21st overall selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to Sports Illustrated’s latest mock draft. Despite clear needs in the secondary, the Lions would wait until the second round to address that area, selecting Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain at No. 52 overall.
General manager Brad Holmes has options ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 10, which could affect the draft plans. This week, Detroit signed safety Myles Bryant to the practice squad, adding depth to the back end. If the Lions choose not to trade for a cornerback or safety before the deadline, the draft will become the primary avenue to fix their secondary.
Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated published a two-round projection on Wednesday placing Thompkins as Detroit’s first pick. The USC transfer has impressed at Alabama this season, using his size and strength to stand out as a pass rusher. Manzano described him as “bigger than most edge rushers (6’5″, 300 pounds)” and praised his polished skills. Thompkins has recorded three sacks, one forced fumble, and 29 tackles this season, making him a potential complement to Aidan Hutchinson, who was Detroit’s first-round pick in 2022.
Thompkins’ arrival would end the Lions’ search for a reliable No. 2 edge rusher alongside Hutchinson, whose 2022 draft was the last time Detroit used a first-round pick on an edge rusher. Since then, Detroit has focused on other positions: running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in 2023, cornerback Terrion Arnold in 2024, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in 2025, and offensive tackle Blake Miller in 2026.
The secondary remains a glaring weakness for the Lions, even with a 3-2 start to the season. Manzano’s mock draft reflects this by delaying the position’s reinforcement until the second round. Jaylen McClain, listed at 6’0″ and 203 pounds, would be Detroit’s pick at 52nd overall. Despite his smaller stature, McClain stands out for his instincts and athleticism. Manzano called him “exactly what this sluggish secondary needs,” noting his ability to be “in the right place at all times” due to his physicality.
McClain’s stats this season at Ohio State include 32 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and five pass deflections. His presence would bring a physical and instinctive element to Detroit’s backfield.
Holmes’ decision to prioritize the pass rush over the secondary in the first round may raise questions, considering cornerback and safety remain notable gaps. The Lions’ recent draft history shows a willingness to address the secondary earlier, as in 2024 with Arnold. However, this mock draft suggests a return to focusing on defensive line strength first.
Detroit’s trade activity before the November 10 deadline could change these plans. For now, the team appears set to add Thompkins in the first round and McClain in the second, hoping the combination of pass rush and secondary upgrades will improve their defensive performance this season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
