Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft Profile: Offensive Tackle Geron Christian

Injuries hit the Detroit Lions hard on the offensive line, particularly at tackle. Finding depth in the later rounds seems likely.

Going straight from high school to the college ranks is a hard transition to make. Offensive tackle Geron Christian made it look easy, starting as a true freshman (2015) at left tackle and holding down that spot for three straight years. The ex-Louisville Cardinal would make an excellent backup swing tackle for the Detroit Lions.

Something rarely seen is starting every possible game. Christian managed 39 straight.

Before choosing football at Louisville, the junior left tackle originally committed to the Miami Hurricanes. He’s been a huge part of the Cardinals record-breaking offenses throughout the past three seasons.

Although Christian has only managed honorable-mention twice (2015, 2017) and third-team All ACC (2016), he’s a highly athletic guy. Depending on where the play was going and matchups, Louisville routinely flipped him between left and right tackle during the game.

Christian has great size (6’6″, 315), durability and versatility but isn’t garnishing much attention in the draft community. Those questions can be answered by watching the tape..

At times, you’ll see Christian look like a franchise tackle, on both sides. Then there’s the plays that really make you worry if he could play at the NFL level. It wasn’t helpful he was flip-flopping to and from both tackle spots on a play-by-play basis.

Quickness is something he struggles with more so than power. A move to guard, the position he played in high school, isn’t unrealistic.

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Having 2016 Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson at quarterback also made him look a lot better. Christian has the tools and experience to make the leap to the pros. Honing in on his consistency and sticking to one tackle spot will do him wonders.