Detroit Lions 2018 draft prospect: LSU Edge Rusher Arden Key
By Josh Trevino
The Detroit Lions are in desperate need of a solid pass rusher to either join or replace Ziggy Ansah well look no further than LSU’s Arden Key.
As the 2018 draft approaches it’s time to start weighing the Detroit Lions many options. Something we can all agree on is that the Motor City desperately needs a solid pass rusher. One option that will likely be available when the Lions are on the board – edge rusher Arden Key out of Louisiana State University.
The 6’6″ 21 year-old weighs in at 265 pounds. Key recorded four sacks and 33-tackles in his 2017 season. A season in which he was sidelined four different times due to injuries. Key had 55 total tackles in the previous season, including 11-sacks.
With the future of current Detroit Lion Ziggy Ansah uncertain, as the 28 year-old veteran may test the waters of free-agency. The Lions need a pass rusher to either play alongside Ansah or attempt to replace him.
The Detroit Lions finished 20th in sacks (35) during the 2017 season.Having to face an elusive quarterback like Aaron Rodgers twice a year, Detroit’s defense needs to be able to put pressure on him.
Although it’s clear that the Motor City is in desperate need of a star running back, they need a solid pass rusher even more. Having a weapon like quarterback Matthew Stafford means the offense will always find a way to stay in the game. Ziggy Ansah has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. So we’ve seen what the defense looks like when they cannot put pressure on the opposing teams quarterback. And if you haven’t – consider yourself lucky, because it’s painful to watch.
Arden Key was projected to be a top-five draft pick before the 2017 season began.
Key is considered to be a top-five draft talent. However, off the field issues have dropped his draft stock considerably – which is why he should still be available to be taken 20th overall when the Lions select their first draft pick. If the Lions were able to snag Key, that would be an absolute steal for Bob Quinn.
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A defensive minded coach like Matt Patricia who is the current front-runner for the head coaching position in Detroit, could help Key reach his full potential and take his game to the next level. Key would be joining the likes of Jarrad Davis and A’Shawn Robinson. With all that young talent, that sounds like the making of a dominant Detroit Lions defense that could be a scary sight for years to come.