After going defense with six straight picks, my latest mock draft reshapes the future of the Detroit Lions. From double edge rushers to secondary help, here’s how the first four rounds could redefine Detroit’s defense for years to come.
I just completed my seven-round Adam Stark 5.0 mock draft for the Detroit Lions. After selecting six straight defensive players to open the draft, it’s clear this class leans heavily toward rebuilding and strengthening the defense early.
I started with back-to-back edge rushers, doubling down on what I believe could be two of the best pass rushers in the class. It’s a risky approach, but one that could pay off in a big way if both players develop as expected. In this article, I’ll break down each selection from Rounds 1 through 4, with a Part II coming later to cover the remaining picks. Let’s take a closer look at the prospects.
Round 1: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
At 24 years old, Akheem Mesidor projects as a player ready to contribute immediately. He posted a 92.5 PFF grade in 2025, the third-highest among edge rushers, along with 55 total pressures (ninth-most). His 91.7 pass-rush grade and 90.5 run-defense grade highlight his well-rounded ability.
Mesidor finished the season with nine sacks and three forced fumbles while playing 648 snaps, ranking 37th among edge defenders. Coming off a championship loss with Miami, he enters the draft as one of the most polished pass rushers available and could make an immediate impact in Detroit.
Round 2: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF
Malachi Lawrence is my favorite pass rusher in this draft class. He combines speed, physicality and elite athleticism, making him a high-upside addition off the edge.
In 2025, Lawrence recorded an 80.1 overall PFF grade across 470 snaps. He posted an 89.5 pass-rush grade, along with seven sacks, two forced fumbles, 30 quarterback hurries and 40 total pressures. His 66.2 run-defense grade suggests there is still room for growth in that area.
Lawrence also impressed at the combine, running a 4.52-second 40-yard dash (third-fastest) with a 1.59-second 10-yard split. He added a 40-inch vertical and a 10-foot-10 broad jump, both ranking second among participants. At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, with 33 5/8-inch arms, he possesses ideal measurables. According to Next Gen Stats, he earned a 6.23 prospect grade, with the top-ranked athleticism score (86) and an overall score of 73 (11th-best).
Round 4: Bud Clark, Safety, TCU
Bud Clark brings versatility and production to the secondary. In 2025, he posted a 79.5 overall PFF grade, including a 75.7 coverage grade and an 84.2 run-defense grade. He recorded four interceptions while allowing 26 receptions across 664 snaps.
Clark also tested well at the combine, running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash with a 1.56-second 10-yard split. He added a 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot-7 broad jump. His Next Gen Stats profile includes a production score of 79 (fifth-best), an athleticism score of 75 and an overall score of 79, also ranking fifth.
Round 4: Jalon Kilgore, Cornerback, South Carolina
Jalon Kilgore brings a balanced skill set with solid contributions in both coverage and run support. He posted a 69.7 overall PFF grade in 2025, along with a 65.3 coverage grade and an 80.6 run-defense grade, highlighting his physicality at the position.
Kilgore recorded two interceptions and nine pass breakups while allowing a 68.1 passer rating when targeted. He gave up 34 receptions in coverage but remained active against the run, finishing with 44 solo tackles. His ability to impact the game in multiple phases makes him a developmental piece with upside in the secondary.
The Lions went defense-heavy through the first four rounds, but offensive help is on the way in the later selections.
