LIONS SQUAD SHOW: NFL Draft: Mock Draft Simulation Squad Show Style + Avonte Maddox Re-Signed

Locked On Lions - Daily Podcast On The Detroit Lions58mApril 8, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “LIONS SQUAD SHOW: NFL Draft: Mock Draft Simulation Squad Show Style + Avonte Maddox Re-Signed” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

The Lockdown Lions Squad Show delivers a historic first-ever live mock draft simulation, marking a milestone for the podcast network. Hosts Jake Reitman, Natalie Kerwin, and Bradford Banta simulate the 2026 NFL Draft's first round using Pro Football Focus, with the Detroit Lions selecting Spencer Fano at pick 17. The trio debates draft strategy, offensive line needs, and the value of versatility, with Bradford sharing a memorable story from his time with the Saints when they nearly drafted Patrick Mahomes—only for Kansas City to leapfrog them. The segment is laced with humor, including golf movie references and playful jabs about hats and putts. After the draft, the team shifts focus to the Lions' re-signing of safety Avonte Maddox, praising the move as a smart depth addition amid injuries to Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph. The hosts discuss the mental and physical challenges of rehab, using the metaphor of a Ferrari versus an 18-wheeler to describe player recovery mindsets. The episode closes with a lively NFC North preview, analyzing the Bears' needs and the strategic implications of facing Caleb Williams in Ben Johnson’s offense, while teasing a future segment on NFL wags and wives.

Key Takeaways
1

The Lions' mock draft pick of Spencer Fano at 17 highlights the team's focus on offensive line versatility and Dan Campbell-style toughness.

2

Avonte Maddox’s re-signing strengthens the Lions’ safety depth, especially with key players sidelined by injury.

3

The 2026 NFL Draft’s first round featured only one quarterback selected, underscoring the steep college-to-pro transition in the position.

4

Bradford Banta shares a near-miss draft story where the Saints nearly drafted Patrick Mahomes—only to lose him to the Chiefs one pick ahead.

5

Player recovery is framed as a mental and physical challenge, with the 'Ferrari vs. 18-wheeler' metaphor illustrating different healing mindsets.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Welcome to the First-Ever Live Mock Draft

The hosts introduce the historic first live mock draft simulation, setting the stage with excitement and humor. They promote the Everydayer Club and tease the upcoming draft event.

5:00
15 min

The 2026 NFL Draft Simulation Begins

With the 17th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Spencer Fano at pick 17 out of Utah. Let's go.

Highlight
20:00
20 min

Draft Strategy and Player Analysis

The hosts analyze the draft picks, discuss the value of offensive linemen like Fano and Oliva Vega, and debate whether the Lions would trade up for a top player.

40:00
20 min

Bradford’s Draft War Room Story: Mahomes Almost Wasn’t Lost

And we were just like, because whenever Drew walked in, everybody was so true. Just like, oh, this is awkward. That's what I was thinking. Like, wow, that'd be awkward.

Highlight
1:00:00
15 min

Avonte Maddox Re-Signed: A Smart Depth Move

I like the re-signing. I thought he was productive for us last year when he did play. I'm going to be curious to see what they do with Joseph and Branch at the beginning of the season.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
And we were just like, because whenever Drew walked in, everybody was so true. Just like, oh, this is awkward. That's what I was thinking. Like, wow, that'd be awkward.
Bradford Banta36:51
Viral: 90.0
If you're a Ferrari, then if you have a slight nick in the windshield, then you may be down for about two weeks waiting for it to be completely repaired so you can go at top end speed. If you're an 18 wheeler and you're missing a tire, hey, we're trudging forward.
Bradford Banta48:49
Viral: 88.0
With the 17th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Spencer Fano at pick 17 out of Utah. Let's go.
Jake Reitman21:34
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Jake ReitmanNatalie KerwinBradford Banta
Topics Discussed
NFL Draft Simulation95%Detroit Lions Roster Moves90%Offensive Line Needs85%Safety Position Depth80%Player Recovery and Mental Toughness75%NFC North Preview70%Draft Strategy and Trade Up Potential65%NFL Draft Culture and Player Experience60%
People & Brands

Detroit Lions

other

25xPositive

Bradford Banta

person

20xPositive

Natalie Kerwin

person

15xPositive

Jake Reitman

person

12xNeutral

Fernando Mendoza

person

8xNeutral

Spencer Fano

person

7xPositive

Avonte Maddox

person

6xPositive

Caleb Williams

person

6xNeutral

Chicago Bears

other

6xPositive

Ben Johnson

person

5xPositive

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “LIONS SQUAD SHOW: NFL Draft: Mock Draft Simulation Squad Show Style + Avonte Maddox Re-Signed” inside PodZeus.

Start discovering podcast insights today

Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.

No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime