Detroit Lions headlines: Scouting Combine needs, mock draft

The draft picture will get clearer this week for the Detroit Lions because of the NFL Scouting Combine. We’ll discuss that and more in today’s headlines.

This is a very important time for the Detroit Lions. With an eye on rebounding in 2019, the Lions will need to find a couple important pieces this offseason. And they’ll do so via free agency next month and the draft in April.

With the NFL Scouting Combine starting up this upcoming week, free agency beginning in March and the draft the month after, there are plenty of Lions’ headlines to dive into. Let’s do so.

Here are the Lions’ top 5 needs entering the NFL Scouting Combine – MLive.com

I believe most agree that edge rusher is a major need for the Lions in 2019, if not the top need. With the future of defensive end Ezekiel Ansah unknown, this is a group that desperately needs more pass rushers. Although head coach Matt Patricia’s defenses are not known for having superstar defenders, rather several role players who play consistently well and understand his diverse scheme. Still, with the eighth overall selection in the upcoming draft, the Lions could land themselves a top-tier rusher.

Why I have Detroit Lions picking LSU’s Devin White in Mock Draft 1.0 – Detroit Free Press

Speaking of which, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press believes linebacker Devin White will be the selection. Adding White’s talent to a linebacker corps that already has first rounder Jarrad Davis and Devon Kennard could boost this unit to new heights. Although he’s not the edge rusher you might want or the tight end most fans are scared of, this selection seems like a very Bob Quinn move to make.

New Lions coordinator ready to run with Kerryon Johnson – AL.com

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell has coached some of the top running backs in the NFL into greatness. Names like Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch. Now, Bevell will be tasked with shaping the future of young running back Kerryon Johnson. Fans should be ecstatic about Detroit’s rushing attack for the first time in a long time.

Detroit Lions sitting at 19th in strength of schedule for 2019 – MLive.com

This strength of schedule appears to be a little high when you consider the Lions were the last place team in the NFC North last season. Still, they were scheduled to face both the AFC West and NFC East regardless of standings. And there are certainly some heavy hitters in both divisions.

Jarrad Davis a key for any Lions success in 2019 – ESPN.com

I don’t believe Davis has lived up to his lofty draft status as of yet. But he does desire the benefit of the doubt considering he’s had two different defensive schemes to learn in two years. And despite his struggles in Year Two, he did appear to be on an upswing at the end of the season. Whether Davis will be a key member of the resurgence in Motown depends on if he can take the next step in his development. Learning a new scheme is no longer an excuse.