CBS Sports mock draft projects Detroit Lions selecting Oregon EDGE in 2027
Early simulation based on FanDuel Super Bowl odds suggests Lions address historical pass rush deficiencies with Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei
CBS Sports has released an early mock draft for the 2027 NFL Draft, projecting the Detroit Lions to hold the 24th overall pick. This placement is derived from current FanDuel Super Bowl odds, which suggest the Lions are less likely to win the championship compared to other teams. In this simulation, the Lions would utilise their pick to select Oregon EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei.
The move aims to strengthen the defensive line by adding Uiagalelei to the existing pass rush unit of Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Moore, addressing a historical weakness at the edge position. The Detroit Lions have historically struggled with the EDGE position, prompting the addition of Derrick Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft alongside Aidan Hutchinson to shore up the unit.
Uiagalelei's projected stats include 10.5 sacks in 2024 and six sacks plus two forced fumbles in the following season. The mock draft suggests Uiagalelei would join Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Moore to address the Lions' pass rush needs, theoretically starting with Moore as depth.
CBS Sports generates these mock drafts by using FanDuel's Super Bowl odds to reverse-order the draft slots, meaning a team with lower odds of winning the Super Bowl is projected to have a higher draft pick. The Lions are currently +1700 to win the Super Bowl per FanDuel, meaning Detroit would pick 24th overall in CBS' mock draft.
The 2027 NFL Draft is approximately one year away; player availability, team needs, and draft order will likely change significantly by then. The mock draft is based on current odds which are volatile and subject to change based on team performance in the 2026 season.
While the 2026 NFL season schedule is partially confirmed, including a Week 2 away game against the Buffalo Bills and a mid-November home game against Germany, the 2027 selection remains a hypothetical scenario. Matayo Uiagalelei's college statistics are presented as historical data but are part of a speculative future projection.
