New Contract: The 2020 Superbowl Guide has selected its essential needs and expectations.

The Beast,” Dane Brugler’s expansive guide to the NFL Draft, is here. 

The Detroit Lions have the 29th pick in the NFL Draft when the first round begins April 25 in Detroit. The Lions own seven total picks in the seven-round draft.

Head coach: Dan Campbell (fourth season)
• General manager: Brad Holmes
• Last year’s record: 12-5

The Detroit Lions — yes, those Detroit Lions — worked hard last season to change the perception of a franchise known for losing. They exorcised demons, winning their first division title amin 30 years and their first playoff game in 32 years. They advanced all the way to the NFC Chpionship Game, falling just short of the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl appearance. And now, entering Year 4 under Campbell and Holmes, the Lions hope to be the last team standing come February. On their quest to do so, they made moves to acquire cornerback Carlton Davis III, defensive tackle DJ Reader and guard Kevin Zeitler, among others, this offseason. They have the look of a true contender in

Offensive line: Detroit’s offensive line is one of the better units in the league, but how will it look next year? Taylor Decker will be a free agent in 2025. Same with Zeitler, who will be 35 next year. Frank Ragnow is coming off an All-Pro season, but as injuries pile up, how much longer will he want to subject himself to the physical grind of the center position? It wouldn’t be the worst move for the Lions to look at the line as a whole.

Cornerback: The Lions signed two in free agency and also re-signed Emmanuel Moseley (coming off a torn ACL) but they haven’t drafted a top-100 cornerback since Jeff Okudah in 2020. Might this be the year that changes?

Edge: The Lions have solid pieces at edge that work well together, like Josh Paschal, James Houston and the newly signed Marcus Davenport, if he can stay healthy. However, they lack a long-term, disruptive talent opposite of Aidan Hutchinson.

Wide receiver: Holmes has long coveted an athletic, big-bodied X receiver, but hasn’t been able to land him. In a receiver-rich draft, this could be the year to go get one.

he Athletic’s most recent mock drafts

April 8: Nick Baumgardner’s mock draft
Baumgardner likes Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson for the Lions at No. 29.

April 4: Bruce Feldman’s mock draft
March 25: Ben Standig’s mock draft
Standig has the Raiders trading for the Lions’ pick at No. 29 for Nos. 44, 112 and a 2025 third-rounder with second-round potential. He then has Detroit selecting Alabama linebacker Chris Braswell at No. 44.