Detroit Lions Mock Draft v1.0
By Jeff Risdon
Fourth Round
Vernon Butler, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana Tech
One of the more common complaints about Detroit’s defense is a lack of overall athleticism. Enter the flashy, freakish Vernon Butler.
Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
At 6’3” and 310 or so pounds, Butler is built similar to Ndamukong Suh with big shoulders, thick legs but very little flab. He’s not as powerful as Suh, but his movement skills are quite similar. He’s amazingly light on his feet without lacking sand in his pants against the run.
He’s No. 9 in the video clip below:
Weidl is correct on scouting interest too. Expect Butler to rise during the workout season, perhaps so much that he needs to be a third-round option. This is the kind of rising talent Detroit sorely needs up front.
Next: A Double Dip