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Five players the Lions should target in the 2024 NFL Draft
T'Vondre Sweat. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Five players the Detroit Lions should target in the 2024 NFL Draft

By Nicholas Meyer  |  Last updated 2/26/24

The Detroit Lions fell just short of making their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, squandering a first-half lead to the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Championship Game loss.

With expectations rising, Lions head coach Dan Campbell decided to up the ante, telling star edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson that his team will be in the Super Bowl next season.

Detroit has a solid all-around roster with top talent at virtually every position. But they could use a boost at cornerback, wide receiver and interior offensive line. 

On offense, dropped passes doomed the Lions against the 49ers. Adding another receiver or two seems like it could be on the docket for the 2024 NFL Draft and offseason.

Here are five players the Lions should target in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft:

1. Cooper Beebe

The Kansas State Wildcat and 2023 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year would bring much-needed size and youth to the interior of the Lions' offensive line with Graham Glasgow and Jonah Jackson currently situated as unrestricted free agents.

Beebe is projected to go in the third round, but he might not last that long.

At 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, the Lions should jump at any opportunity to bring Beebe to Allen Park, Mich., site of the team's practice facility. 

A combination of Penei Sewell and Beebe along the Lions' offensive front could be devastating for opposing defenses.

2. T'Vondre Sweat

A one-man wrecking crew for the Texas Longhorns' defense, Sweat would add immediate production and run-stuffing ability for the Lions. 

He could be an instant-impact player for Aaron Glenn's defense in Detroit.

At 6-foot-4 and 362 pounds, Sweat may remind some of former Lions star and fan favorite Jerry Ball.

3. Mike Sainristil

The Michigan defensive back secured a game-cinching interception against the Washington Huskies in the 2024 National Championship Game in Houston, Texas.

He had six interceptions and 26 tackles on the season and was rarely out of place.

Listed at 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, Sainristil plays bigger than his frame. He's a leader and fits the mold of a Dan Campbell defender. 

4. Laiatu Latu

The UCLA defensive end is 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds.

With 28 solo tackles and 13 sacks on the season, Latu could team up opposite Hutchinson and James Houston (if healthy) to cause havoc. 

Latu has had back-to-back seasons of ten sacks or more in college; now it's his time to shine in the NFL.

5. Roman Wilson

The unheralded Michigan football star put up solid numbers as the No. 1 option for JJ McCarthy on a national title-winning team.

Wilson is ranked 79th on the CBS Sports big board, meaning the Lions could wait to select him in the second round.

Wilson has a work ethic and toughness similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown, as well as elite speed. 

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