SideLion Report
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How the Detroit Lions can fix their defense, plus draft talk

By Michael Kirkland

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Darius Slay #23 and Cornelius Washington #90 of the Detroit Lions tackle Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Darius Slay #23 and Cornelius Washington #90 of the Detroit Lions tackle Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Lions won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK – APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands with Detroit Lions #1 draft pick Matthew Stafford at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands with Detroit Lions #1 draft pick Matthew Stafford at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Draft Status

The Lions look to be headed for the number twenty overall pick in the 2018 NFL Player Selection Meeting, more commonly referred to as the NFL Draft.

The Lions, by way of trading for left tackle Greg Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams, and trading a conditional seventh round pick for defensive back, Jonathan Banks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, only have five remaining picks.

A fun tool for looking at possible outcomes, or to just have fun playing general manager, is at fanspeak.com, here is a link to their On The Clock mock draft tool.

Here are my result from one simulation:

20: R1P20, EDGE (DE), CLELIN FERRELL, CLEMSON
52: R2P20, DT, DA’RON PAYNE, ALABAMA
84: R3P20, RB SONY MICHEL, GEORGIA
122: R4P20, EDGE (DE), DUKE EJIOFOR, WAKE FOREST
159: R5P20, OT, ALEX CAPPA, HUMBOLDT STATE

The defensive line was my priority. I drafted two guys to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and a complete, three-tech player who can pressure quarterbacks or stop the run. Another running back with size and ability to convert short yardage plays is needed.

Next: Lions housecleaning - Coordinators and fixing the offense

Then, I took an offensive lineman who has the size to possibly play guard or tackle, if needed. At 6’6″, Cappa is a project with a big frame that might pan out as an interior player with the length to play left or right tackle in a pinch.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

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