It is no secret that there is a glaring hole at linebacker for the Detroit Lions. The likely starters scare nobody, and the depth is not impressive, either.
The only true starter the team returns from last season is Tahir Whitehead. DeAndre Levy was cut, Josh Bynes is still currently a free agent, and while Thurston Armbrister and Antwione Williams were both forced into significant playing time due to injuries last year, I don’t believe those two are long-term, sustainable solutions or starting-caliber players.
With free agency dwindling down, the Lions must look to the draft to add a playmaker or two at the linebacker position. It is my hope that Detroit targets one early – either in the first or second round – but here are options the Lions could look at for each round of the draft.
Round 1: Haason Reddick, Temple
This is the guy. If he’s there, the Lions shouldn’t waste any time getting the pick in. Yes, he may not be the best scheme-fit for Detroit, but his versatility should mostly combat those concerns. He can slot in nicely as a weak-side linebacker in Detroit’s defense and he will give Teryl Austin and future defensive coordinators a playmaker for years to come. While he lacks length and bulk in his build, he more than makes up for it with athleticism, explosiveness and non-stop motor.
Round 2: Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
McMillian was productive during his three-year collegiate career in Columbus, generating 275 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. McMillian played inside in college, and can do so in the pros, but he may have to move to an outside position in a 4-3 scheme. He is instinctive, quick and understands pursuit angles. He is likely to go in the second round, but could fall to the third round due to concerns about his inability to properly leverage gaps against the run.
Round 3: Alex Anzalone, Florida
Anzalone struggled with injuries to his shoulder and arm while playing at Florida, and if he didn’t, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a higher-rated prospect. He can honestly play all three linebacker positions. Anzalone stands 6-feet-three-inches tall, and weighs more than 240 pounds, yet he has fluid hips, top-notch athleticism and decent speed. He didn’t cause any turnovers during his college career, and durability is a big concern, but he is an outstanding talent and could be a great pick if he is still there for the Lions in the third round.
Round 4: Anthony Walker Jr., Northwestern
I am a big fan of Walker because he does things the right way. Scouts have raved about him being a great teammate and natural leader. His production was always there as well, recording 276 career tackles (38 for loss). He is instinctive, and had 16 pass deflections in his college career. Missed tackles were an issue for him, though, and he plays a little bit stiff. Those are things I think he can overcome, and I believe he can become a reliable player in the NFL.
Round 5: Marquel Lee, Wake Forest
Lee is an aggressive player who makes his presence felt. He was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2016, after recording 20 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Lee reacts quickly off of the snap on run plays, and plays both the run and pass fairly well. Some knocks on him are his speed and lack of pure athletic ability. Scouts also note that he often bites on misdirection plays. If the Lions are still in need of a linebacker at this point in the draft, Lee would be a good pickup.
Round 6: Ben Gedeon, Michigan
At this point in the draft, teams are looking for depth. Gedeon can solidify himself as a backup inside linebacker, but will likely earn playing time in the NFL on special teams. Gedeon has solid technique and was relatively consistent while playing in the (ugly) maize and blue. He also keeps his pad level low and square. With that said, he missed far too many tackles, he’s not fast and he isn’t a very good athlete. But I think he’s worth a sixth-round selection.
Round 7: Hardy Nickerson Jr., Illinois
Nickerson has the obvious football pedigree, as his dad was a four-time NFL All-Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowler. He’s a willing tackler who didn’t let many ball carriers get by him in college, and he plays with an infectious energy. However, he is slow to read and react, he’s had difficulty getting off of blocks and his overall play was inconsistent. He would likely play weak-side linebacker in Detroit’s 4-3 system. Taking a seventh-round flier on Nickerson isn’t the worst idea to see if he can provide depth.
Which linebackers would you like to see the Lions target? Let me know in the comments below.
Sources:
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