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Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft: 7-round mock 3.0

By Steven Mullenax

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Saivion Smith #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after breaking up a pass in the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Saivion Smith #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after breaking up a pass in the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images
Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images /

In our third mock for the 2019 NFL Draft, we attempt to identify prospects that the Detroit Lions might pick in the league’s annual selection event in April.

The Detroit Lions are trying to bounce back from a disheartening 6-10 performance in 2018. With a second season under head coach Matt Patricia on the horizon, change figures to run rampant this offseason as he continues to shape the roster to fit his scheme.

Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn’s biggest weapon for change will be the NFL draft. With the Lions’ various team needs in mind, here’s our third mock draft of the offseason as we try to predict what Detroit’s front office might do come April.

2019 NFL Draft: First Round, Eighth Overall

The Detroit Lions select …

Name: Montez Sweat
Position: Edge Rusher
School: Mississippi State
Height/Weight: 6-6, 245
2018 Stats: 53 tackles, 14.5 tfls, 12.0 sacks
Draft Round Projection: 1-2 Round

Pick Analysis: Likely the highest rising prospect after turning heads at Senior Bowl practices, Sweat lands in the Motor City to become the replacement for an aging Ezekiel Ansah, who will turn 30-years old in May.

Ironically, Sweat is climbing up draft boards like Ziggy did back in 2013 and could represent the emergence of Detroit’s defense in 2019 more than any other single player. Premier pass rushers are rare and expensive in the NFL (Proof: Ansah’s salary in 2018). And if Sweat continues to impress during the Scouting Combine later this month, which most expect he will, then the Lions could land themselves an ascending edge rusher on a rookie contract with a fifth-year option to boot.

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