LIONS SQUAD SHOW: Jermod McCoy Rising Up Draft Boards? Russell Brown of Lions Wire Joins The Show!

Locked On Lions - Daily Podcast On The Detroit Lions1h 1mApril 16, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Locked On Lions Squad Show dives deep into the Detroit Lions' upcoming 2026 NFL Draft strategy, focusing on the potential selection of Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy at pick 17. Hosts Jake Reitman, Natalie Kerwin, and Bradford Banta debate the risks and rewards of drafting a player who hasn't played since the 2024 season due to an ACL tear, despite his impressive measurables and highlight-reel plays. A special guest, Russell Brown of The Draft Report and Lions Wire, joins to provide expert analysis, emphasizing the Lions' need for an offensive tackle as their top priority, with Blake Miller and Caleb Lomu highlighted as ideal fits. Brown also discusses potential Day 2 and Day 3 picks like safety Bud Clark and corner Traydon Stooks, while addressing the broader draft landscape, including the controversial short-arm debate around edge rusher Ruben Bain. The show also covers the fallout from Diana Russini’s resignation from The Athletic amid scrutiny over her sourcing, sparking a conversation about journalistic integrity in sports media. The episode closes with a lighthearted discussion on the Lions’ potential free-agent moves and a nod to Jared Goff’s elite consistency as a quarterback.

Key Takeaways
1

Jermod McCoy is a high-risk, high-reward option at pick 17, but his injury history raises concerns about long-term availability.

2

The Lions' top need remains offensive tackle, with Blake Miller and Caleb Lomu emerging as top targets.

3

Russell Brown emphasizes that Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell prioritize 'conviction' over need, meaning the best player available may be selected regardless of position.

4

The Lions should consider trading down to accumulate more picks, especially if they're not confident in landing a top-tier tackle at 17.

5

The Diana Russini controversy underscores the importance of ethical sourcing in sports journalism and could impact how teams share information.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Opening the Draft Countdown: Lions' 17th Pick Strategy

The hosts kick off the show with excitement for the upcoming NFL Draft, setting the stage for a deep dive into the Lions' potential moves at pick 17. They introduce the central debate: whether the Lions will target Jermod McCoy despite his injury history.

10:00
10 min

The Jermod McCoy Debate: Risk vs. Reward

I'd say you would target him for the third round if you do like all his measurables and you think he can contribute right away. But then you all...

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Guest Insight: Russell Brown on the Lions' Draft Priorities

I think offensive tackle without questions is the number one thing because the amount of effort and resources that they have spent in redeveloping this group up front...

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Beyond the First Round: Day 2 and Day 3 Targets

The conversation expands to potential second- and third-round picks, with Brown highlighting Bud Clark (safety), Traydon Stooks (corner), and Tanner Kozol (tight end) as strong fits for the Lions’ roster needs.

40:00
10 min

Trade Strategy and Draft Board Flattening

The hosts and Brown discuss the likelihood of the Lions trading up or down, with Brown suggesting a trade down is more probable. They debate whether the draft board is truly flattened and if teams will move more than expected.

High-Impact Quotes
I think offensive tackle without questions is the number one thing because the amount of effort and resources that they have spent in redeveloping this group up front...
Russell Brown20:25
Viral: 85.0
I have no issues with the short arms. I simply say that because it has an effect of them in the highest levels.
Russell Brown34:29
Viral: 80.0
There's been one quarterback with 30 plus touchdown passes in each of the last three years. That one quarterback is Jared Goff.
Jake Reitman61:54
Viral: 78.0
Speakers

Hosts

Jake ReitmanNatalie KerwinBradford Banta

Guest

Russell Brown
Topics Discussed
NFL Draft Strategy95%Jermod McCoy Draft Prospect90%Offensive Tackle Needs88%Edge Rusher Depth85%Journalistic Ethics in Sports Media82%Draft Trade Analysis80%Player Injury Risk and Recovery78%Veteran Free Agent Signings75%
People & Brands

Detroit Lions

other

45xPositive

Jermod McCoy

person

18xMixed

Russell Brown

person

15xPositive

Diana Russini

person

12xNegative

Brad Holmes

person

12xPositive

Dan Campbell

person

10xPositive

The Athletic

organization

8xNegative

Blake Miller

person

7xPositive

Caleb Lomu

person

6xPositive

Joey Bosa

person

6xMixed

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