Why the Detroit Lions should have drafted Leighton Vander Esch

Despite left guard Frank Ragnow improving the running game for the Detroit Lions, it is clear that they also could have targeted a defensive playmaker.

It’s no secret that the Detroit Lions have had a flurry of first round draft picks that haven’t panned out, with offensive guard Laken Tomlinson being the latest in an embarrassingly long line of draft busts for the boys in silver and Honolulu blue.

Despite Tomlinson not working out for the Lions, the most recent first round pick for the Lions looks to be a solid pick, as starting left guard Frank Ragnow has been rated as one of the better guards in football in just his rookie season.

While Ragnow has been a key cog to revamping the Detroit Lions’ running game this season, it’s clear that a player drafted just a few picks before him should have been the true target for Motor City.

One pick before the Lions picked Ragnow, the Dallas Cowboys selected Leighton Vander Esch, a lengthy linebacker from Boise State.

A former 7-on-7 football player in his high school days, Vander Esch was thought of to be a bust by many, as many Cowboys fans were upset that they didn’t use their selection on an explosive receiver, such as Alabama’s Calvin Ridley.

Through 12 games this season, it’s fairly clear that those once upset Cowboys fans are satisfied with what they have seen from the former Bronco. In his opening season Vander Esch is one of the biggest playmakers for Dallas, leading a defense that statistically ranks in the top five and helping America’s team earn seven wins this season.

Partially thanks to the defensive success of Vander Esch, the Cowboys are in the driver’s seat in the NFC East. Beating one of the best teams in the NFL on Thursday, the Cowboys now control their own destiny and their playoff chances.

Vander Esch has put up some solid numbers in his first NFL season, racking up 103 combined tackles, 78 total tackles, and two interceptions each returned for 28 yards.

Vander Esch has been recognized for his recent success, as he recently earned NFL defensive rookie of the month for the month of November, as he’s had 38 tackles, one run stuff,  six pass deflections, two interceptions returned for 56 yards all in November.

Currently rated as the sixth best linebacker in football, it’s clear that Vander Esch has already made an impact through his first 12 games in the NFL.

While the linebacker was off the board by the time the Lions picked, it’s clear that their defense could use more of the firepower, including wolf howls, that Vander Esch brings to the Cowboys.

Even though the Cowboys have reaped the benefits of Vander Esch’s play, it’s clear that although the Lions defense has been fine, they could use another playmaker.

While many Lions fans point to Stafford’s struggles as to why this team isn’t succeeding, it makes more sense to point fingers at the NFL’s worst defense statistically.

Past successful seasons for the Lions have relied on solid defenses. The 2014 team that made it to the playoffs had the third best defense in football. That 11-5 team was lead by the heroics of Matthew Stafford, but they never would have gotten there without the help of an elite defense.

That defense was highlighted by the quality linebacker play of Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy, whose ability to consistently make tackles and defend passes made him like Vander Esch, in that offenses had to scheme around.

While linebackers Eli Harold and Devon Kennard have been alright for the Lions this season, they lack the intensity and firepower that the young Boise State alum brings. As I wrote about seven months ago, he would have been a great addition to this defense.

As the team looks ahead to the impending draft in April, they should look to draft quick, defensive playmakers like Vander Esch to get their defense back to a quality level.