Miller time
As of late, I see three names on this list going before pick twenty: tackles, Connor Williams, Mike McGlinchey, and guard, Quenton Nelson. James Daniels, guard/center, has risen in a lot of rankings, along with Isaiah Wynn, guard/tackle. The latter players along with, tackle, Kolton Miller are among the group of players who might fall to the Lions.
While there are plenty of teams who need an offensive lineman, I don’t see all six being selected in the top nineteen picks. Of those, I really like the idea of one player, in particular, Kolton Miller. Williams or McGlinchey would do, too, but I believe that they will both be gone.
Miller is a 6-8, 309 pound, tackle, who could also slide inside to guard if incumbent, Taylor Decker, can regain his form at left tackle. The UCLA product is big, and a very good athlete for his position. He posted a 4.95-second forty-yard dash; more importantly, his 1.68 ten-yard split means he moves well in short distances, like offensive linemen are asked to do every play.
Why it’s the best solution
Here’s how it really solves the problems with the line. If anything happens to Taylor Decker again, or if he just never gets back to where he was prior to his labrum (shoulder) surgery, the Lions already have another option. The Lions need a player capable of playing left tackle, or we could be in the identical situation as last year. If Decker is his old self, Miller solves the issue at left guard. If at any point Decker goes out, Miller has the talent to step in. Problem(s) solved.
I hear some of you thinking, “Can’t we draft an offensive lineman later, and accomplish the same thing?” The short answer is, “Maybe.” However, the further down the draft order you select a player, the more likely it is that you lose athletic ability and overall talent. If this is Bob Quinn’s top priority, fixing the line, run game, and pass protection, waiting will cost him; the cost depends on the specific players being compared.
Bottom line, Miller is versatile, big, and capable of providing the depth the line really needs as well as being a starter at left guard at worst. In the subsequent rounds the Lions can draft a running back, a defensive end, and help at other positions.
Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft: 7-round mock 5.0
What do you think? How would you solve the problems with the line? Sound off in the comments section. Follow me on Twitter CoachKirk @mkirk2, and go Lions!