First off- cool idea and this was hard since I’ve been all for Fano or Miller in round 1, and neither was a choice… However I think I like this more now…
#17- I Vega: the Lions kept 9 OL players last year and right now we have Sewell, Rat, and Mays as long term solutions… We have Borom, Scruggs, and Mahogany giving us 6 “usable” OL players plus some hope in Frazier and Manu… BUT taking Vega in round 1 gives us an elite LT, LG, good C, good RG, a decent option at RT and some solid cheap depth. I have Vegas as a top 3-5 lock to be a plus starter in this draft class.
#50- Gabe Jacas: I love Jacas and fear he won’t fall to our round 2 pick, but I see him as a Karlaftis level producer opposite Hutch…
#118- Jude Bowery: he’s an interesting guy to fill on the puzzle listed above If the Lions can somehow get a great year out of Borom, or catch lightning in a bottle with Bowry, we could be back to an elite OL and YOUNG… mostly cheap
#128- VJ Payne: no brainer pick with our current safety situation
#157- Landon Robinson: sneaky nascar DT, occasionally slides outside
#188- Justin Jefferson: coverage backer who can hopefully compete with Rodrigo and or take role left open by Anzalone… outright
#205- Tanner Koziol: he’s a very interesting option in tbe red zone, and a bit of Laporta insurance
#213- Mason Reiger: relentless motor, sneaky athlete, and could make a nice 4 DE rotation with Jacas, Hutch, Wonnum
#222- Red Murdock: Barnes backup