Detroit Lions: 2020 7-round mock draft with two trades

*Trade: DET sends the 67th overall picks to KC for the 96th and 128th overall picks.

The current linebackers on the Detroit Lions’ roster cannot cover anyone in space. We’ve seen it time and time again. It’s cost the Lions important games when they were still in the playoff hunt.

Simply put, the Lions must find a way to bring in a linebacker this draft that can actually stay with a wide receiver or tight end when he comes across the middle of the field and when they are tasked with covering a running back out of the backfield.

In a modern NFL game that is trending toward more and more spread concepts, it is going to be necessary to employ at least one, if not multiple, linebackers that can excel in coverage. As of now, the Lions linebackers are best when rushing the quarterback or when defending against the run. Adding a coverage specialist in the middle of the defense should be a priority this offseason.

Among the candidates in the draft, Davis-Gaither is one of my favorite late day two or early day three options. Davis-Gaither is known best for his ability to cover opponents in the open field and has shown that he can not only stay with his assignment but that he can also make plays on the ball.

Davis-Gaither made his first big impact his junior season when he racked up 103 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble, and amassed seven pass break-ups. He turned heads that season and he didn’t disappoint when it came to his second act his senior season.

His senior season he racked up over 100 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, eight pass break-ups, and even snagged an interception. Davis-Gaither will be able to cover the entire field for some team and will upgrade their coverage over the middle of the field and in the intermediate areas of the field as well.

Pro Football Network’s Andrew DiCecco wrote about Davis-Gaither and his possible early role in the NFL.

"“Granted, Davis-Gaither will likely never become that early-down, downhill thumper against the run. His rare athleticism and elite coverage prowess, however, should enable him to see the field in sub packages to start his career.”"

DiCecco also went on to mention that Davis-Gaither has the athletic ability to be a sideline to sideline linebacker who has athleticism that is unparalleled and a good football mind.

Drafting Davis-Gaither sometime in the third or fourth round would give the Lions a great coverage linebacker that can provide an immediate impact for the defense and improve the pass defense straight away.