With the NFL draft three days away, this marks the conclusion of my final mock draft. After completing six iterations, I made one final pass, selecting the players I would target if I were in charge. As always, projecting decisions by Lions general manager Brad Holmes is difficult, as he has consistently shown a willingness to defy expectations. This mock will be split into two parts, with the first four selections detailed here and the remaining five addressed in Part 2.
Kadyn Proctor offers one of the highest ceilings among offensive linemen in this class. A former elite recruit, he combines rare size, strength and power. At his best, he can dominate in both the run and pass game, overwhelming defenders with physicality.
Consistency remains the primary concern. However, Detroit’s coaching staff has a strong track record of developing offensive linemen. Under offensive line coach Hank Fraley, Proctor’s technique and discipline could improve significantly. If developed properly, he has the tools to become a long-term cornerstone and a potential Day 1 starter.
Malachi Lawrence stands out as one of the most intriguing pass rushers in the draft. He pairs elite athleticism with physicality and production. In 2025, he posted an 80.1 overall PFF grade across 470 snaps, including an 89.5 pass-rush grade and a 66.2 run-defense grade. His production included seven sacks, two forced fumbles, 30 quarterback hurries, two batted passes and 40 total pressures.
His combine performance reinforced that production. Lawrence ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash (third fastest), recorded a 1.59-second 10-yard split (third fastest), a 40-inch vertical (second best) and a 10-foot-10 broad jump (second best). At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, with 33 5/8-inch arms, he brings an ideal physical profile. Next Gen Stats assigned him a 6.23 prospect grade, with the top athleticism score (86) and an overall ranking of 11th in the class.
Bud Clark developed into a key contributor at TCU, earning a starting role midseason and finishing with five interceptions, tied for 11th nationally. He delivered a standout performance in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against Michigan, returning an interception thrown by J.J. McCarthy 41 yards for a touchdown and recovering a fumble in the end zone.
Clark’s 2025 PFF grades included a 79.5 overall mark, a 75.7 coverage grade and an 84.2 run-defense grade across 664 snaps. At the combine, he ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash (seventh fastest), with a 1.56-second 10-yard split (sixth fastest), a 38-inch vertical (fifth best) and a 10-foot-7 broad jump (fifth best). His Next Gen Stats scores ranked him fifth overall, highlighted by a 79 production score.
Bryce Boettcher brings versatility and experience after beginning his career as a defensive back before transitioning to linebacker at Oregon. The 6-foot-2, 232-pound defender appeared in 55 games, recording 269 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups, all of which came in his final two seasons.
Boettcher posted a 73.3 overall PFF grade, including a 69.6 run-defense grade, a 66.2 pass-rush grade and a 73.4 coverage grade. Last season, he recorded 74 solo tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and 11 quarterback pressures across 657 snaps. His background in the secondary shows up in coverage, making him a potential fit in sub-packages.
Through four selections, the focus leans heavily toward defense, with three of the first four picks addressing that side of the ball. The offensive line is reinforced early with Proctor, while the addition of Lawrence provides value and upside as a pass rusher in the second round. Clark and Boettcher add depth and playmaking ability to the defense.
Lawrence stands out as the most impactful value pick, given his combination of production and elite athletic traits. Proctor, meanwhile, offers long-term upside and the potential to contribute immediately.