Detroit Lions Seven Round 2014 Mock Draft: If I Were Martin Mayhew…
By Justin Simon
Oct 4, 2013; Logan, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Kyle Van Noy (3) waits for the Utah State Aggies to snap the ball during the first quarter at Romney Stadium. Brigham Young Cougars defeated the Utah State Aggies 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Pick 13 Selection: OLB Kyle Van Noy – BYU
Other candidates: SS Deone Bucannon, OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, DE Dominique Easley, WR Kelvin Benjamin, or FS Terrence Brooks If there are two spots I think the Lions want to fill badly in the first few rounds it’s edge rusher and receiving threat. I like the value in the second round at edge rusher. I thought about Jeremiah Attaochu. He’s a tremendous athlete, but he seems better suited to play in a traditional 3-4 front.
Van Noy on the other hand isn’t a supreme athlete, but in my view he’s a supreme football player. Since I’m playing GM, my philosophy is to take the better football player if the grade is close. This is where the “win now” mode comes into play. Van Noy may not have the ceiling other guys have, but I think his floor is that he’ll be a solid contributor with little bust factor.