2027 Lions Mock Draft Addresses Defensive Needs Before Making a Surprising Quarterback Move
2027 Lions Mock Draft Addresses Defensive Needs Before Making a Surprising Quarterback Move
The Detroit Lions are still focused on the 2026 season, but that hasn’t stopped draft conversations from starting early. With the trade deadline behind them, A to Z Sports writer Mike Payton has released an interesting seven-round mock draft that gives Detroit several defensive reinforcements and makes one particularly surprising offensive selection.
The mock includes eight total selections, a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers and a quarterback prospect who could eventually become Jared Goff’s successor.
And that last decision is likely to generate plenty of debate among Lions fans.
Round 1, Pick 27: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
Detroit starts by addressing one of its biggest defensive concerns: cornerback.
Jones is listed at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, giving the Lions an unusually big outside cornerback prospect. Payton highlights his coverage ability, tackling and run defense, noting that opposing quarterbacks have recorded a 78 passer rating when targeting him this season.
The idea is to give Detroit another physical corner who can compete against bigger receivers.
Round 2, Pick 58: Jelani McDonald, S, Texas
The next selection addresses safety.
McDonald’s versatility is a major attraction. He can play deep safety, move into the box or cover the slot. That flexibility could be valuable as Detroit considers its long-term secondary plans.
The mock also connects this selection to uncertainty surrounding Kerby Joseph’s future. Joseph’s health situation makes the position worth monitoring, although no final decision about his future with Detroit has been established.
Round 3: Tony Rojas, LB, Penn State
Detroit adds another defensive piece with Rojas, a coverage linebacker who could bring athleticism and flexibility to the unit.
Payton specifically explains that he doesn’t view Rojas as a replacement for Jack Campbell. Instead, he sees him as a weakside linebacker who can contribute in coverage while also supporting the run defense.
His reported coverage production makes this an interesting selection.
Round 4, Pick 102: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
Here’s where the mock gets interesting.
Detroit sends its 128th and 248th overall selections to the Chargers to move up to No. 102 and select quarterback Jayden Maiava.
Goff remains the Lions’ established starter, and there’s no indication that Detroit is preparing to move on from him. However, Payton argues that the organization should eventually begin thinking about the future at quarterback.
Maiava is presented as a developmental option who could spend time learning behind Goff before potentially competing for the starting job down the road.
It’s a bold move, especially considering the Lions have other positions that need attention.
Round 5, Pick 165: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois
Detroit doubles down at cornerback with Scott, a versatile defender capable of playing inside or outside.
His injury history is a concern, but his ability to contribute at multiple positions makes him an interesting late-round option.
Round 6, Pick 204: King Mack, S, NC State
Mack provides more depth at safety. He has experience playing both free and strong safety, giving Detroit another player with positional flexibility.
Round 6, Pick 216: J’Mond Tapp, EDGE, Memphis
The Lions add another pass-rushing prospect in Tapp.
Payton likes his ability to pressure quarterbacks and defend the run, viewing him as a developmental edge player who could eventually contribute to Detroit’s defensive front.
Round 7, Pick 254: Patrick Kutas, OG, Ole Miss
The final selection addresses the offensive line.
Kutas has experience at right guard, center and right tackle. His versatility could make him useful as a depth option, particularly with Detroit continuing to evaluate its interior offensive line.
The biggest debate is the quarterback selection.
There is plenty to like about the defensive direction of this mock. Detroit adds two cornerbacks, two safeties, a linebacker and an edge defender.
But selecting Maiava in the fourth round could divide the fanbase.
Some supporters may see it as smart planning for the future, while others may prefer Detroit to use that selection on another immediate defensive need.
Either way, this is only one writer’s projection. The Lions’ actual draft board, their eventual selections and their offseason decisions remain unknown.
Still, it’s an interesting early look at how Detroit could approach the 2027 NFL Draft.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
