Detroit Lions Mock Draft v1.0
By Jeff Risdon
First Round
Laremy Tunsil, Tackle, Mississippi
He’s only played one game in 2015 due to an NCAA investigation into potential illegal benefits (nothing was ever proven), but Laremy Tunsil is still the top offensive tackle on my draft board. In that game last Saturday against a Texas A&M team with two highly-regarded pass rushers, the 6’6”, 305-pound junior from Florida quickly shook off any rust…
Ole Miss LT Laremy Tunsil had a near perfect game in pass protection vs A&M. 0 QB pressures allowed in 36 PB snaps, 1 holding penalty.
— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) October 27, 2015
I wrote about Tunsil for Draft Breakdown over the summer, highlighting the questions I have with his game. When the biggest critique of a player is that he’s “too athletic”, that’s a nice problem to have.
Tunsil might be the best blend of athleticism, power, technique with his feet and coordinated movement since Orlando Pace. Yes, that is lofty praise and most certainly the best-case scenario for Tunsil, or really any lineman.
This is where philosophy kicks in. Do you go for the sure thing but perhaps a player with a lower ceiling, or do you take on more risk and go for a potential superstar with a higher potential that he might not work out? Count me on Team Superstar.
These Lions hopefully won’t be picking in the top 10 again for a few years, so this is the best chance to land a true franchise bedrock player. While there are some intriguing defensive prospects to strongly consider, taking the Rebel tackle upgrades the team’s biggest weakness twofold. Tunsil can take over at left tackle, which allows the team to move Riley Reiff to the right side.
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With the First Pick
Reiff is an average left tackle on his better days, but his skill set could make him an above-average right tackle. Two birds, one stone.
Note that I make this pick with the assumption Ohio State DE Joey Bosa is going to be the No. 1 overall pick, and the Lions will finish with a pick in the 3-7 overall range. Bosa would be the pick if he is somehow available. If both Bosa and Tunsil are gone, my primary target is Florida State DB Jalen Ramsey, who is an immediate impact starter at either corner or safety.
Next: Defensive Line Help?