Detroit Lions 2020 Draft Prospect: TCU’s Ross Blacklock
SideLion Report analyzes possible targets for the Detroit Lions in the upcoming draft. Today, we look at TCU defensive lineman Ross Blacklock.
No position group on the Detroit Lions will require more retooling this offseason than their defensive line.
With the February release of starting nose tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison, the impending free agency of veterans A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels and the troubling injury history of third-year man Da’Shawn Hand, the Lions will be looking for help in both free agency and perhaps, more importantly, the upcoming 2020 draft.
The Lions’ shifting defensive front requires a powerful nose tackle or “zero technique” to act as an anchor and create opportunities for his neighbors up front.
TCU’s Ross Blacklock, at sub-300 pounds, doesn’t necessarily fit that profile, but he could still be a nice addition to the Lions’ defensive line in a variety of capacities.
Prospect: Ross Blacklock
Position/School: Defensive line / TCU
Height/Weight: 6-3, 290
2018 stats: 12 games played, 40 total tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
Draft Projection: 1st-3rd round
At TCU this past season, Blacklock displayed a solid mix of power and quickness, using an explosive first step to provide consistent disruption in the passing game, as well as holding the fort against opposing rushing attacks. His nimble feet, ability to move laterally, relentless energy and his versatility are just what the Lions look for in their front-line defenders, and he could be a player capable of contributing immediately.
One concern with Blacklock is his injury history; he missed the entire 2018 season with an Achilles injury, though he was able to recover and turn in a productive, healthy 2019 year in which he saw his draft stock progressively climb. It’s unlikely that he will last past the early part of the second round in April.
Typically, few players outside of the consensus top-three or so have any clue where they may end up playing. However, in a recent interview on the RapSheet and Friends Podcast, Blacklock told host Ian Rapoport that he has a feeling that he could end up “somewhere way up north.” Should that location end up being in Michigan, the Lions’ defense could stand to benefit significantly in 2020.
Next. Ranking the Detroit Lions’ first round picks since 2010. dark
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