Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft: 3 sleeper prospects

Prospect: Terrill Hanks
Position / School: Linebacker / New Mexico State
Height / Weight: 6-2, 242
2018 Statistics: 9 games played, 1.0 sack, 1 interception, 9.0 tackles for loss
Draft Projection: 2nd-4th round

Linebacker is a low-key area of need for the Lions, and a tricky one to address at that. Detroit has a fairly specific size and performance profile that their linebackers typically need to fit. They are constantly in sub defenses, with a shifting number of second level defenders that are on the field, and Terrill Hanks of New Mexico State could be a late round option to fit that mold.

Hanks played in just nine games in 2018 due to an injury, but he’s a four year player who packed on a significant amount of girth to morph into a frame that is consistent with that of the Lions’ linebacker group. The added weight coincided with his transition from safety prior to his senior year.

He’s an effective downhill defender, and packs a wallop when he connects on his hits. He made a lot of plays during his time with the Aggies, picking off eight passes, collecting 11 sacks and forcing seven fumbles in his career. He is adequate in pass coverage.

Where Hanks lacks polish is in overshooting his gaps, missing tackles, over-committing on misdirection plays and shaking off tough blocks. It will take some time for him to make a starter’s type of impact at the next level, and he’ll likely have to make his bones as a special teamer early in his career. He also is relatively new to being a linebacker, thanks to his recent position change.

If some of these traits sound familiar, they should. From a skill and body type perspective, he bears a resemblance to current Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis. Hanks may have an edge in pass coverage, something the Lions lack in the linebacker corps. But, his injury shortened season, holes in play-reading discipline and lack of experience at the position hinder his draft stature.

One may wonder: “Why add someone who mirrors the weaknesses of an incumbent player?” In truth, late round picks are often ticketed for special teams roles early in their career anyway. Plus, Davis could serve as an important sounding board and mentor as well, should the Lions look Hanks’ way this week.

Which “sleeper” prospects do you think that the Detroit Lions should consider in the later rounds of the 2019 NFL draft? Let us know in the comments section below.