While the Lions did go out and acquire Danny Shelton and Nick Williams in the first week of free agency, both guys are more-or-less on “prove-it” deals.
If one or both of Shelton and Williams struggle with the Lions early on, a big rookie who could provide depth to the front four would be crucial to add to the squad.
That’s where Blacklock comes in. The reigning All Big-12 first team lineman has NFL size, snappy initial quickness off the snap and is surprisingly quick for his size.
If the Achilles injury that held him out of 2018 doesn’t continue to nag him in the NFL, he should be more than capable of replacing A’Shawn Robinson as a rotational defensive tackle with starting potential.
Even after acquiring Desmond Trufant in free agency, with the departure of All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay, it only makes sense for the Lions to use one of their first three draft picks on a corner who can at least improve the Lions’ depth.
Hall would be a steal for the Lions if he fell out of the first two rounds, as he has ideal NFL speed, is proficient in press coverage thanks to his long arms, and good recognition of short routes. He excels in man coverage, which just so happens to be what the Lions did more than any team in the league last season.
Hall will most likely fall because his senior season was cut short thanks to an ankle injury, but as long as the Detroit medical staff can help him heal up, Hall would be an ideal depth piece in the defense who could start in a few seasons.