The Detroit Lions 2016 NFL Draft Watch gives you college football players to keep an eye on each week, who are also being closely watched by the Lions’ scouting staff.
Wisconsin (#20) vs. Alabama (#3)
8:00 p.m. (ET) – ABC
Eddie Jackson (#4) – DB – Alabama
Junior Eddie Jackson is primed to have a big role in Alabama’s secondary this season. In particular, Coach Saban noted Jackon’s keen instincts, which will allow him to play faster than his timed speed. He amazingly recovered in just five months from a torn ACL last pre-season and returned in time for the beginning of the regular season. However, after coming back from his injury, he was notably a bit slower than his freshman year.
Physical against the run, Jackson’s experience at cornerback gives him the ability to cover against a passing attack. Last season, at the cornerback position, he posted 41 tackles, one interception, two tackles for loss, one sack, and six passes broken up. As Saban looks to switch Jackson to safety this season, his versatility to play both cornerback and safety could give him big upside as scouts evaluate him throughout 2015.
A’Shawn Robinson (#86) – DT – Alabama
A’Shawn Robinson, a former five-star recruit, is best known by his teammates as “Infamous A-tron”. He had a successful sophomore year last season, just slightly less productive than his freshman year where he led the team with 5.5 sacks and was the only Alabama freshman named to the 2013 SEC Coaches All-Freshman Team.
Versatile and athletic, Robinson has played both defensive end and defensive tackle, and is regarded as “one of the most disruptive lineman” for the Crimson Tide. With Robinson being a major contributor on the line, Alabama’s defense was a top five run defense in the nation last season. At 6’4” and 312 lbs., Robinson is not only a threat as a pass rusher, but has shown the ability to drop his base, anchor and stack at the point of attack.
Corey Clement – RB – Wisconsin
Joique Bell clearly has taken longer than expected to come back from injury and we’ll know soon enough if he’s back at 100%. Time will tell over the course of this season if Detroit will be on the lookout for another quality, solid back to move the chains. Corey Clement may just fit the bill at 5’11” and 219 lbs. He had an impressive 949 yards, 6.46 yards per carry and nine touchdowns last season in the shadow of Melvin Gordon. Now with the ability to step into the spotlight, Clement is positioned to be a star.
Pro Football Focus has ranked Clement #9 in their Top 25 Breakout Players of 2015, noting he had impressive efficiency in both the run and passing game. A telling fact about Clement: he finishes all of his runs at practice by sprinting to the end zone, no matter where the play originated. That kind of drive to play hard in practice speaks volumes about a player’s dedication and commitment to the game.
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