Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft: My final 7-round mock

The Lions finally take a pass rusher in the fifth and get an absolute steal in Emeke Egbule this late in the draft. Egbule could play as an off ball linebacker for the Lions, but Patricia would probably choose to deploy him as the second string JACK linebacker behind Devon Kennard. While his primary purpose would be to pass the rusher he could still provide decent coverage and set a good edge against the run.

In addition to seeing the field early as Kennard’s primary backup he could also provide quality depth as an off ball linebacker as well. Egbule is athletic enough to be primarily a pass rusher at the JACK, but can still be above average depth at the SAM, MIKE, and WILL positions. This kind of versatility is good to find in your fifth round draft picks and is exactly the type of player that Patricia would covet on day three.

The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs gave him a round three grade, showing great value here in the fifth. He also wrote the following:

"“Emeke Egbule is a really interesting player. He’s a late bloomer who really came into his own last season for the Cougars and his versatility offers him a unique chance to be a defensive chess piece down the road… He’s not fully refined, but an athletic talent.”"