Here is my first stab at a full seven round mock draft for the Detroit Lions. Detroit has 8 total draft selections this year, one in each round as well as an additional sixth round pick. For each selection, I’ll review a few guys who may also be available when the pick rolls around and who also fit team needs. So, without further ado…
21). CB Marlon Humphrey – Alabama
There are a ton of tantalizing options that won’t be available when the Lions go on the clock next week, but there will be so many more players that can fit into team needs and improve the team as a whole. One of those players is Crimson Tide corner Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey is a hard hitting CB that tackles well and plays best with the ball in front of him. Some have even suggested playing him at safety. Since the Lions have plenty of box safeties on the roster, we’ll slate Humphrey opposite Darius Slay, moving starting CB Nevin Lawson into the slot where the undersized DB matches up better.
Other options the Lions should consider:
Michigan DE Taco Charlton
Florida LB Jarrad Davis
Houston LB/EDGE Tyus Bowser
53). LB Duke Riley – LSU
Riley doesn’t stand out as spectacular in any one area but he is solid in just about every facet. He is a tad undersized, but he was a tackling machine last years for the Tigers and although the tape doesn’t show it as often, his athleticism was on display at the Combine. He can step into the starting WILL LB spot vacated by DeAndre Levy (RIP) and contribute from the start.
Other options the Lions should consider:
Youngstown State EDGE Derek Rivers
Auburn EDGE Carl Lawson
Florida DL Caleb Brantley
Colorado CB Chidobe Awuzie
85). TE Adam Shaheen – Ashland
So this may be more wishful thinking as Shaheen seems destined for a second round selection. I’ll point out though that at this spot in the draft, all of the impactful edge rushers will be gone. If the Lions are going to address the starting defensive end spot opposite Ziggy Ansah, they will have to do it in the first two rounds. Rotational talent can be found beyond the second round, but the starter for the future? No sir.
As for Shaheen, he is a small school, big bodied TE who can block as well as he can catch. He has all the athletic ability you look for in an all-around TE, but no experience against top level competition.
If (when) Shaheen is gone, here are some other options that might work for Detroit at 85:
Iowa TE George Kittle
Northwestern LB Anthony Walker
Washington DL Elijah Qualls
Virginia Tech TE/WR Bucky Hodges
127). S Marcus Maye – Florida
Again, this may be a little late for where Maye is slotted to go, but he has a range of skills that would help in Detroit’s back end. He has great field vision and instincts but seemingly lacks the athleticism to contest jump balls. He could make for an adequate Glover Quin replacement at a 4th round bargain.
Other options the Lions should consider:
Wisconsin LB/EDGE Vince Beigel
UCLA LB Jayon Brown
UNC WR Ryan Switzer
165). WR Stacy Coley – Miami
Coley has the speed to impress, but he occasionally lacks concentration and effort. If he can prove he wants to play in the NFL long term, the Lions could find themselves with a consistent deep threat that forces defenses to stay on their heels. He’s also a very willing blocker.
Other options the Lions should consider:
UNC RB T.J. Logan
Florida Atlantic TE Jonnu Smith
Louisiana Tech S Xavier Woods
205). EDGE Ejuan Price – Pittsburgh
Price isn’t going to be the long-term answer at defensive end and in the sixth round he won’t have to be. He is a quick twitch athlete with great production, limited size, and a laundry list of injuries. If his injury history is behind him, he can produce as a package defender.
Other options the Lions should consider:
Ole Miss WR Damore’ea Stringfellow
BYU LB Harvey Langi
Alabama St. OT Jylan Ware
215). LB Harvey Langi – BYU
The Lions finally double dip at linebacker with Langi who has good size to play in the middle but lacks quick read skills. While Langi has been shuffled around in the defensive side of the ball, letting him grow into his natural inside position could help turn him into a productive player. If anything, he can provide adequate depth at a position group that is severely lacking.
Other options the Lions should consider:
Alabama St. OT Jylan Ware
Utah EDGE Hunter Dimick
San Diego St. RB Donnell Pumphrey
250). QB Cooper Rush – Central Michigan
Rush is a book smart, quick learning QB who lacks any useful arm strength for a quarterback but can earn his keep on the sideline with a clipboard in his hands.
Other options the Lions should consider:
Miami EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad
Pittsburgh TE Scott Orndoff
Illinois DL Chunky Clements
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