Following the 2021 NFL Draft, Lions fans understood what Brad Holmes was trying to do. Taking 3 linemen in rounds 1, 2, and 3 is not how you excite fans, but hitting a homerun on Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth allowed Holmes to gain the trust of the fan base. Sewell, McNeil, and St. Brown all showed that they will be good players for Detroit. This year, I’m expecting a heavy investment in the defense. Improvements need to be made at all three levels, and I suspect that our draft picks will reflect that. Let’s get into it.
Round 1, Pick 2 – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
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The Detroit Lions need a pass-rusher. Whether it’s Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Lions need one of them. Cementing the trenches has been clearly the priority of this staff. Getting a game-changing rusher will immediately relieve stress of Oruwariye and more importantly, Okudah. There is speculation that Thibodeaux may have some off-field issues, but I trust that Detroit will do their DD looking into that. After drafting Sewell last year, I’m sure that he himself knows Thibs enough to adequately assess his personality, along with having communication to Oregon’s coaching staff.
Round 1, Pick 32 – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Madeline Hinkley/Daily
Dax Hill did not disappoint at Michigan, coming in as a 5 star recruit. Re-signing Tracy Walker III keeps not only a great player on the field, but a leader in the locker room. However, a second safety is needed alongside him. Will Harris was an exciting prospect, but Hill could be the game changer this defense needs. DeShon Elliot has recently been sign, which may move the need for a safety down the list of priorities, but with the league spreading the ball across the field, having 3 safeties on the field that can all tackle is an incredible advantage. Elliot is a phenomenal player when he is on the field; however, he has had injury issues over the course of his career. For a 1-year deal, Elliot coming in while Dax Hill develops is a benefit for both Hill and the Lions. Aaron Glenn showed an exceptional ability to coach up his DBs in New Orleans, and he will look to do the same here in Detroit.
Round 2, Pick 34 – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
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George Pickens is an interesting prospect, as he could very well be taken in the first round, or fall until the late third round. What I like about Pickens is that he is a tall, perimeter receiver who will be great in the red zone. He has the ability to run the entire route tree, and pairing him with the Sun God gives the Lions real talent at receiver. As Dax Hill wouldn’t be expected to start day one, Pickens might not either. DJ Chark is on a one-year deal in Detroit, but also has injury concerns. Pickens has the ability to start day one, and he very well may, but at least he will have time to get the pace of the NFL down before he is expected to be a great receiver for this team.
Round 3, Pick 66 – Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
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The Lions need LB depth, but Asamoah has the potential to be more than just depth. He has sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability. He isn’t a MIKE LB enforcer that many feel the Lions need, but I think speed is a pressing need for Detroit’s linebackers. Asamoah can play primarily in nickel packages and special teams, before contributing heavily in a near every-down role for this defense.
Round 3, Pick 97 – Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics
The cornerback class this year has quite the plethora of talent, and I believe Detroit could strike gold in the middle/late round. I have them taking Josh Jobe, who is a boundary corner that is not afraid to tackle. Coming from Alabama, he has experience playing against NFL talent wide receivers, both in games and practice. Jobe is noted as being aggressive, which may result in holding receivers down the field. The Detroit Lions have excellent defensive back coaches in Aaron Glenn and Aubrey Pleasant, so giving them a guy that has the tools to be great could be a recipe for success in this instance.
Round 5, Pick 177 – Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
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Unfortunate circumstances surrounding Ross have led him to drop from a possible first round pick to an extremely risky late round pick. Ross underwent surgery to repair his neck/spine, which caused him to miss the 2020 season. He best lines up as a Z or a big slot, which putting him next to the Sun God with Chark/Pickens on the opposite side would be extremely helpful for QB Jared Goff. Ross is a very smooth receiver who, if returns to 2019 form, could be the steal of the draft.
Round 6, Pick 181 – Lecitus Smith, IOL, Virginia Tech
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Lecitus Smith is a former TE recruit at Virginia Tech that switched to guard in 2018. He’s a good athlete that is still relatively new to the position, but could be a project for this staff. Smith has a solid build, with great aggressiveness that could hopefully lead him to possibly starting on Detroit’s line in a few years. Regardless, as a depth piece, he will bring some upside to one of the better offensive lines in the NFL.
Round 6, Pick 217 – Neil Farrell Jr., IDL, LSU
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Although the Lions invested heavily at the position last year, Farrell can come to the Lions and add pass rushing ability from defensive tackle. His run defense has been criticized, but developing into a 3-down player is not out of the question.
Round 7, Pick 234 – Zonovan Knight, RB, NC State
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D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams need another body to take off some of their workload. Knight was NC State’s leading rusher all three seasons, and could immediately get reps in Detroit. He projects as a no.2 back and kick returner, which would make this pick an A+, barring that Knight doesn’t stay healthy or is atrocious. As long as he can stay on the field, Knight would be poised to be a great pick.
The 2022 NFL Draft is just two weeks away. The chaos of this offseason leads many to have no idea what to expect leading into the draft. In past 8 years, the #1 pick has been either a QB or an EDGE rusher. That trend looks to continue this year with an EDGE likely landing in Jacksonville. This year does differ from most with where QB prospects will land and how soon/late. Nonetheless, this mock is based off what each team’s subreddit wants and what I think is the correct pick. I have 0 intel on inside sources, nor did I take into account player/team meetings.
1. JAX – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Trevor Ruszkowski
Jacksonville tagging OT Cam Robinson leaves me to believe they’re going EDGE with the first overall pick. Hutchinson, Thibodeaux, or Walker are all considered options here, with Hutchinson being the popular choice. Aidan Hutchinson is a three-down defensive end that will be a star on the Jacksonville defensive line. The duo of Josh Allen and Aidan Hutchinson will terrorize the AFC South QBs for years to come.
2. DET – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
Eric Evans/GoDucks.com
Detroit is in an interesting spot because of the uncertainty of Houston’s choice. They similarly have to decide between Hutch, Thibs, or Walker. As a Lions fan, I believe it will come down to Hutch or Thibs, with Hutch being my preferred choice. I don’t believe you can go wrong with either of them. Sewell will play a significant part in researching the off-field personality of Thibodeaux, as they’re both Oregon alumni. Regardless, Head Coach Dan Campbell already expressed that he wants elite football guys and is less concerned with off the field issues.
3. HOU – Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
AP Photo/Jeff Dean
Sauce Gardner will be a plug-and-play corner for Houston. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Kyle Hamilton, Trevon Walker, Ikem Ekwonu, or Evan Neal here. The latter two would be more shocking, but overall Houston should go BPA. With serious defensive needs, grabbing the best corner in the draft will give an immediate boost to a defense that was in the ranked in the bottom-five of passing yards per attempt, passes over 40+ yards, and yards per reception.
4. NYJ – Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Fisher Adkins/FSU Football
The Jets have needs on both sides of the ball, but having an explosive pass-rusher will relieve some of the stress on the secondary. Alternative selections would be Sauce Gardner, Travon Walker, Drake London, Kyle Hamilton, or Garrett Wilson. With a deep WR class, I think the Jets will elect to grab a player that can bolster their defense.
5. NYG – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
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The Giants need a RT and they’re in luck. I feel like this will be another Sewell situation where they may not expect him to drop to them, but he will. He’s going to be a great player in the NFL, and will hopefully rejuvenate a lackluster Saquon Barkley. I don’t think that Daniel Jones is the long-term answer for them at QB, but I don’t see an upgrade for them in this draft. Neal will have a long, successful career in New York.
6. CAR – Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Ekwonu is the smart choice here in my opinion. The fun choice? QB Kenny Pickett. Matt Rhule and Pickett have familiarity with Pickett’s initial commitment to Temple, before deciding on Pitt. Rhule, prior to landing the Carolina job, was the head coach at Temple. With constant failures at QB, Carolina is a serious contender at drafting Pickett or Willis here. However, I don’t see how they can pass on Ekwonu, who would start at LT day one. Sam Darnold showed promise early last season, so giving him much needed protection might allow Darnold to reach his high potential.
7. NYG – Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Travon Walker is a versatile defensive lineman that can be used in multiple fronts. The Giants have already invested into guys like Dexter Lawrence, Azeez Ojulari, and Leonard Williams. However, there are question marks surrounding whether Lawrence’s 5th-year option will be picked up, if Ojulari is a three-down player, and if Leonard Williams is someone that the Giants are looking to move in a trade. Regardless of these situations, Walker can come to New York and be an asset to this defense.
8. ATL – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Atlanta should be going BPA at this point. The board hasn’t fallen favorably, but Kyle Hamilton is a day one starter. He didn’t post elite combine numbers, but the film doesn’t lie. If one of the big 3 edges fall, I think Atlanta runs to the podium. Similarly, if one of Neal or Ekwonu fall, they do the same. This team will likely be drafting in the top three next year, so passing on Willis and Pickett is the best scenario.
9. SEA – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
Seattle moving on from Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner may bring upon the dark ages for a team that has already struggled. I expect Pete Carroll to attempt to guide the rebuild in the right direction, but I do not see him sticking around after this year or the next. This roster needs help, but grabbing a solid tackle will kick start this rebuild. Drew Lock does have extremely valuable weapons in Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, but it will come down to a matter of if he’s capable enough to get them the ball and if he has time to get them the ball. Cross will help the latter.
10. NYJ – Drake London, WR, USC
Drake London and Elijah Moore will be a top WR duo in this league in the coming years. This is a one-two punch that will help Zach Wilson immediately. London is a big target that has a basketball background. Without Elijah Moore, I would understand looking at Garrett Wilson or Jameson Williams, but London makes the most sense here.
11. WAS – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Washington adding Stingley to a young, talented defense could make them a top 5 unit. In a division that sees CeeDee Lamb and Devonta Smith twice a year, it would make sense for them to get a guy than can go toe-to-toe with the best. Washington is also a team that may be in the market for a rookie QB, with Malik Willis being a guy that I would want to see in a Commanders jersey. Other alternatives would be any of the remaining top WRs, and with Kyle Hamilton possibly falling, Washington would be a candidate to land him as well.
12. MIN – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Minnesota will pray that either Sauce Gardner or Stingley will fall to them, but I don’t see that happening barring trades. They will go next best corner, which will either be Andrew Booth Jr. or Trent McDuffie.
13. HOU – Jordan Davis, IDL, Georgia
In a division that sees Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor, getting a big body to disrupt them is important. Going Sauce Gardner on the outside and then coming back with Jordan Davis on the inside has the potential to make this Houston defense into a solid unit.
14. BAL – George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Baltimore will go best defensive lineman available, which leaves either Karlaftis or Devonte Wyatt. The Ravens did re-sign Calais Campbell, but the aging Pro-Bowler could be a positive mentor to Karlaftis and 2021 first round selection Jayson Oweh.
15. PHI – Devonte Wyatt, IDL, Georgia
Fletcher Cox re-signing to a one-year deal with Philly helps, but I think they go with Wyatt here now that Karlaftis is gone. I can see Baltimore selecting Wyatt, which would make Karlaftis a more preferred choice. Regardless, I believe Philly will look to improve their defensive line with one of their firsts.
16. NO – Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
Following the rumors that New Orleans wanted to jump LAC because they wanted an OT, Penning seems like the surefire pick. With both Pickett and Willis on the board, NO can wait until 19 if they decide to draft a QB.
17. LAC – Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Much of LAC fans think the OT rumors are a smoke screen, because Jameson Williams would be elite for this offense. Keenan Allen still years of productivity left, as his style seems to hold up in this league longer than a speedster type does. Nonetheless, Josh Palmer has shown promise and with Jameson Williams, Justin Herbert will be a perennial top 5 QB. 4 WR sets, with the inclusion of Jalen Guyton, is a scary thought for defenses in the AFC West. Let’s obviously not forget about Austin Ekeler and new signee Gerald Everett, goodness. What a sight this would be.
18. PHI – Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
This is a make it or break it year for Jalen Hurts. Drafting JJAW and Jalen Reagor have been absolute failures, but Devonta Smith and Garrett Wilson are can’t miss prospects. Pairing the two will give Philly two dynamic weapons that could be argued as top prospects in their respective classes.
19. NO – Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
New Orleans going with Kenny Pickett here would allow him to sit behind Jameis Winston for a few weeks to the whole year. He won’t have extreme expectations to come into the league and immediately perform. The Saints are entering the post-Sean Payton era by bringing in their next QB.
20. PIT – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Malik Willis going to Pittsburgh gives him the best chance to succeed in this league. They have weapons across their offense, a QB centric OC, and a veteran head coach. Willis has the ability to be a great QB, but he needs time to learn and develop as an NFL QB. Trubisky is a good enough QB to be a temporary solution to Pittsburgh’s need of a QB, while Willis develops into the long-term solution.
21. NE – Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
Devin Lloyd falls into Bill Belichick’s lap and the AFC East will hate this. Lloyd is a versatile LB that can both rush the passer and drop back in coverage. Developing in the Belichick system will allow for Lloyd to continue doing what he does best, tackling behind the line of scrimmage.
22. GB – Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Replacing Davante Adams is near impossible. If I was Green Bay, I would actually use both first round picks on receivers. Grabbing Burks here at #22 is great value as he is a physical freak. Big body receivers who run as fast as he does are hard to come by. Aaron Rodgers will be demanding weapons in this draft, and he will get a good one here.
23. ARZ – Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Arizona can go in a multitude of ways here. Losing Chandler Jones significantly worsens Arizona’s pass rush. I would consider David Ojabo here, but with his injury, he will likely make it into the middle-late second round. McDuffie is a great athlete, which would add to a defense that has invested draft capital in guys like Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Simmons, and Zaven Collins.
24. DAL – Zion Johnson, IOL, Boston College
Dallas getting a stud lineman is very Dallas-like. Tyler Linderbaum is also another candidate to land in Dallas. Either way, getting an interior lineman is the likely pick.
25. BUF – Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Elam might be the best press corner in the draft, landing on a team that has heavily invested into their defensive line in past drafts and signing Von Miller. Elam will be setup for success, as his issues with holding can be fixed by the coaching staff.
26. TEN – Kenyon Green, IOL, Texas A&M
Lots of mocks have them grabbing TE Trey McBride, but I think they go with Green or Linderbaum. A sleeper pick would be Chris Olave to pair with AJ Brown, but Green has the ability to play both guard positions, along with RT. His versatility is a trait that is too good to pass on.
27. TB – Perrion Winfrey, IDL, Oklahoma
Tampa can go in many different ways, but adding Winfrey to a defensive line that consists of mostly veterans will allow for the unit to remain fresh during the season.
28. GB – Tyler Linderbaum, IOL, Iowa
Linderbaum falling to GB gives them a tough decision, as they could take Olave here, or bolster their defense with Daxton Hill. However, Linderbaum has the potential to be a great center in this league, which reminds me much of the Frank Ragnow pick for Detroit. It’s not sexy, but it’s the best thing to do.
29. KC – Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Not re-signing Tyrann Mathieu leaves me to believe that they are taking one of the top safeties here with one of their back-to-back picks. With glaring holes left by both Mathieu and Tyreek Hill, I would expect them to address both of those immediately in the draft.
30. KC – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Olave can come in a be a significant playmaker for a team that is losing probably the best playmaker in the league. By no means is he Tyreek Hill, but I think pairing him with Juju Smith-Schuster will allow this offense to not skip a beat.
31. CIN – Tyler Smith, IOL, Tulsa
Protect Joe Burrow at all costs. Offensive lineman here, please.
32. DET – Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Lewis Cine is a physical safety that can bring the Lions’ secondary together. Nakobe Dean and George Pickens are guys that the Lions can also pick here, or at #34. I would not be shocked to see them wait on a WR until the middle of the draft, as bolstering the defense should be the single most important task this offseason.
The NFL Draft is nearly a month away. With most of the big-name free agents off the market, we now have a better idea of where players will fall. Obviously, it’s almost easier to hit the lottery than getting a perfect mock. Also, adding in a couple trades to make things a little spicier. There is a table at the bottom of the mock that translates each selection to each team for easier view. Enjoy!
MOCK TRADES:
MIA sends 1.05, 1.26, 5.126 to DET for 1.03
CLE sends 1.1, 3.74 to CAR for 1.07
MIN sends 1.22, 2.58, 7.249 to TB for 1.14
ROUND 1
1. CIN- Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Josh Auzenne/WAFB-TV
Transitioning from Andy Dalton to Joe Burrow will not only rejuvenate AJ Green and John Ross, but the entire Bengal’s team. Pairing Burrow with young head coach Zac Taylor will be something to keep an eye on heading into the 2020 season. With 2019 first round pick Jonah Williams returning, Cincy’s offense is something to keep an eye on.
2. WSH- Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
With Washington trading for Kyle Allen, it is almost fact that they will not be taking a QB at #2. The only other thing that can happen is the Chargers or Dolphins can trade up above Detroit to take Tua, but that seems less likely than Washington taking Chase here. An elite pass rusher to put across of 2019 first round pick Montez Sweat will give an immediate boost to Washington’s front.
3. MIA (via DET) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
A bidding war between Miami and LA can and will be won by Miami due to their amount of draft capital. I do believe that it is in which ever team that drafts Tua to sit on him for a year, be 100% sure that he is healthy, and come into the 2021 season prepared. Both LA and MIA are capable of this, with Miami sitting on Fitzpatrick/Rosen and LA with Tyrod Taylor. In this case, I see Fitzpatrick starting most of the season, and seeing Rosen appear later in the year to see exactly what he is worth for Miami to ship him off to gain picks in the following year’s drafts. Tua has superstar traits, it just comes down to providing him weapons and protection.
4. NYG – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Giants will have the first choice at the top offensive line prospects. Wirfs provides versatility, with his ability to play guard and tackle. Scouts believe he will be best playing at guard, but I would like to see him at RT. With a generational running back heading into year 3 in Saquon Barkley, and a young QB in Daniel Jones, investing in a solid piece in Wirfs will be beneficial for all of the weapons the Giants have on offense.
5. DET (via MIA) – Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
This pick comes down to Simmons or Okudah and the Lions are going with Simmons. With the Lions signing Trufant, that allows them to invest in a playmaker. Trading Slay hurts the secondary, but I believe that Oruwariye is going to take a big step in becoming the Lions CB2. Jarad Davis is not capable of being a starter for the Lions any longer, and with the release of Devon Kennard, the LB group in Detroit needs a boost. Simmons provides versatility that is needed with the amount of times Patricia drops his linebackers into coverage.
6. LAC – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Justin Herbert could be playing for the Arizona Cardinals right now, however, with him staying in school, it hurt his draft stock. I was wrong about Josh Allen coming out of college because I was worried about his accuracy. Similarly, I worry about Herbert’s accuracy. Scouting reports suggest that he is “deadly accurate” and I don’t see it. However, Herbert has the arm and the physical traits that you want in a QB. Putting him in LA to sit behind Tyrod will allow him to learn the offense, and eventually take over for the Chargers.
7. CLE – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Giants selecting Wirfs puts pressure on Cleveland to move up and grab the next tackle. Cleveland had great signings in free agency, now getting an anchor at LT will provide the much needed protection for Baker Mayfield. All of the hype last season for the Cleveland offense disappointed fans, however, look for a positive bounce back year as the Browns get a full year with Kareem Hunt, as well with the pairing of Austin Hooper and David Njoku.
8. ARZ – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Over the past few months, we have watched Wills fly up draft boards. Wills is a polished blocker, being a two year starter at Alabama. At 6’5, 320lbs, Wills is capable of being one of the top tackles in the league for years to come. With the Cardinals robbing Houston of DeAndre Hopkins, giving Kyler Murray protection is a must and Wills here seems to be a no brainer.
9. JAX – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Derrick Brown is a name that will be known by many next season. He is one of the most complete DT coming into the draft that I have witnessed in recent memory. Brown has incredible strength that allows him to fight off blocks. His run stuffing ability appears to be elite. With Jacksonville sending off Campbell, a boost to their defensive line is needed. Getting Brown here at 9 is fantastic value.
10. CAR – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
With Carolina signing Bridgewater, they eliminate themselves with moving up to take Tua or Herbert. In this case, they are able to pick up an extra pick by moving down and still getting an absolute beast. Kinlaw has been relatively flying under the radar, which shocks me because of his talent. Kinlaw provides a pass rushing ability that is superior to that of Derrick Brown’s. That said, I would not be surprised to see Jacksonville grab Kinlaw and Brown to fall here to Carolina.
11. NYJ- Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
12. LV – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
13. SF (via IND) – Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Okudah dropping all the way to 13 seems insane. Remember Greedy Williams being a solidified top 10 pick early last year? Okudah is definitely a better prospect and, in my opinion, a better player, so he will not drop far. Pairing Okudah with Sherman, while also reuniting with Nick Bosa, seems unfair. This SF defense only gets better.
Today is the big day, where fans either cheer or cry. I’m not including any trades because I can not see the future to that extent. However, I hope that I do better this year than last year, shout out to me for getting Vander-Esch correct. Everyone is mocking Kyler at one, well I am here to bring some added chaos. Arizona should select the best player in the draft. Thank you again to the Draft Network for the template, HERE. WE. GO.
The countdown begins ladies and gentlemen. The draft is almost a week away, so I’m obliged to release my mock draft for our Detroit Lions. Expect a full first round mock within the next week. Without further-ado, lets go.
Round 1/Pick 8: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
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At 6’5 231lbs, what he lacks in weight, he makes up in speed. There is nothing bad I can say about the kid. He has long arms, incredible bend, explosiveness off the line, and will chase a ball carrier down the field. Brian Burns will be a top 3 player out of this draft, and he will be wearing Honolulu Blue.
Round 2/Pick 43: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune
Jesus lord, if Greedy falls, my God may he land in our hands. This is quite the drop, but it is because of the major factor that I continued to bring up a few months ago, he is not a tackler. Lots of GM’s will fall off the wagon because of this, but not Bob Quin. No sir. We want our corners to cover and Greedy Williams will cover a receiver at an elite level. My backup pick here would be Christ Lindstrom, Guard, Boston College. One of the two should fall into our hands. But starting off with Burns and Williams would be a deadly combination to add to our defense.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside stands at 6’3 225lbs. Big man, huh? Whiteside has a basketball background, which shows when he competes for one on one balls. He is a blessing to watch, shows incredible ball control. Not the fastest guy in the world, but he will be a reliable target to Mr. Stafford for the years to come.
Round 4/Pick 111: Ross Pierschbacher, IOL, Alabama
Photo from: RollTide.com
Look at this MAN. He is a MAN. Good lord. Look at Tua in the background with his clean jersey, beautiful isn’t it? Part of the reason for his cleanliness is Pierschbacher. Absolute unit, standing at an honest 6’3 304lbs. Animal. This is what I want to see on our line. Somebody who is big and their name I can’t pronounce. Analysis on our man here is that he’s too upright, but I will live with that. He is an Alabama bred offensive lineman, and he will do wonders filling in the hole that was left at our guard position because of the retiring of TJ Lang.
Round 5/ Pick 146: TJ Edwards, LB, Wisconsin
Tom Mead/InsideThePylon
I had to debate myself between TJ Edwards, Khalil Hodge, and Terrill Hanks here. I would not be upset with any of the three. I go with TJ based on the fact that he is the big tackler that can disrupt the pass game. He is what Hodge lacks in size, and what Hanks lacks in experience. I don’t expect him to be in the starting rotation day one, but look for him in the future to be an instrumental part of the Lions’ linebacker core.
Round 6/Pick 184: Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
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Moreau is graded oddly. Some reports express his blocking ability as being his best attribute, others say his receiving ability is his better. I’m torn. Regardless, I think that it’s a good thing to say both. The LSU offense was not that all productive, but Moreau shows promise as being a TE2 coming out of the gate. I’m not certain that he will fall this late, but would be ecstatic if he did.
Round 6/Pick 204: Karan Higdon, RB, Michigan
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Little hometown fandom here but don’t get it twisted, Karan Higdon can be that late round player that turns into a productive NFL player. Not the biggest back in the draft, nor the fastest. What Karan is best at his utilizing his blocks and having excellent vision at the line of scrimmage. Early in his career, I think Higdon will be best as a 3rd down back, before transitioning to an early down back.
Round 7/Pick 224: Demarcus Christmas, IDL, Florida State
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Demarcus Christmas fills the need for an extra rotational defensive lineman. The dude is massive. He isn’t your disruptive every down lineman, but he will be the perfect role player that every team needs. Putting him behind Snacks would be an extreme fortune, as he can develop into a potential every down player. As of today, he will be a great 7th round pick up.
Round 7/Pick 229: Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State
Washington State sports information
Minshew has developed under one of the greatest minds the sport has to offer being Coach Leach. I don’t suspect him to be our Tom Brady, but having him in our QB room providing the knowledge he learned at Washington State will be a massive help for our stale offense. Also helps to have a young gun in case anything tragic happens. Who knows, maybe Minshaw is the next Brady. I’m okay with that.
Nick Bosa being taken first overall is a no brainer. Bosa is a freak coming off the edge, he has incredible speed, incredible strength, and his bend past offensive tackles is untouchable. His film speaks for itself, excited to see how he does at the combine after his injury that held him out for the last major portion of the Buckeyes season. Bosa passes the eye test for sure.
2. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
If Bosa wasn’t going to be taken first overall, a case could be made for Quinnen Williams. You can’t lock him up one on one. He will dominate who ever is across from him. You could try to double team him, but that only works half the time. Quinnen is a force upfront and any lineman next to him will be flattered that Quinnen will eat a double team no problem.
3. Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
Pre-bowl season, was unsure how to feel about Josh Allen. He lit up the stat sheet, 17 sacks in the 2018 season if you were wondering, but is he the force that everyone said he was? Yes, he really was. Against Penn State in the Citrus Bowl, he made that B1G 10 line look like a middle school line. He bullied McSorely to the point of me feeling bad that nobody was blocking him. Allen is interesting though, he could go as high as 1, or as low as 11. I firmly believe he will be a top 4 pick though.
4. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Jonah Williams is going to be a longtime NFL player. He isn’t flashy, he isn’t sexy, but he does his job very well. Williams blocked for Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, both top college QB’s, and kept their jerseys clean. I predict Jonah will be a steal, especially is he slips down through the first round due to the loaded defensive class.
5. Devin White, LB, LSU
I mean just look at him, do you really want him shooting the A gap and hitting your QB? Not a chance. Mr. Devin White is another player similar to Josh Allen that is a phenomenal play maker, but his draft stock is unknown. He is the best interior linebacker in this draft. Devin has great size, and I’m interested in how he runs in the combine.
6. Rashan Gary, DT/DE, Michigan
Michigan natives will tell you to not waste your time, but slow your roll. You can’t pass up Rashan’s size. Do I think he is NFL ready? Not necessarily, but I do believe if he moves into the interior defensive line, he will explode in the NFL. I think he’s too awkward coming off the edge. If you stick him in the middle and limit his space, he will show off his strength, and hopefully will take away that stiffness he has coming off the edge.
7. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Ed Oliver was in the pre-season heisman race, as a DT. He doesn’t have the usual DT size that you would suspect an NFL player would have, but I wouldn’t worry. Ed Oliver will have similar talent to Aaron Donald. Quote me. He didn’t have the expected terrific season in 2018, but I think other factors were at play. Ed Oliver can play.
8. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
9. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
10. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
11. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
12. Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida
13. Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
14. DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
DK Metcalf is my favorite offensive player in this draft. He has NFL size, great hands, and can create separation down the field. Unless he runs a 4.75+ 40 yard dash, I think he will be the most complete receiver in this draft.
15. Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
16. DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia
17. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
18. Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma
19. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
20. Jaylen Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech
21. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
22. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
23. Christian Wilkins, DE, Clemson
24. Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Little bit of FCS action here, but don’t get me wrong, Nasir Adderely can ball. He’s listed a safety, but he has experience at corner as well. He wow’d scouts at the senior bowl, especially grabbing a pick, but his highlight tape is electric. Incredible ball skills, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a huge riser moving forward to April.
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