Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft: 3 late-round sleeper prospects

Prospect: Anfernee Jennings
Position / School: Edge / Alabama
Height / Weight: 6-2 , 256
2019 Statistics: 13 games played, 83 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 1 interception

Under this Lions regime, it has become obvious that the team looks at the edge defender position a little differently. It’s one of the most highly coveted positions around the NFL, particularly when it comes to flame-throwing, sack-gobbling athletes. The Lions though, have a slightly offbeat taste when it comes to this group.

In the morphing, gap-control front that the Lions prefer, edge defenders need to be able to stop the run just as much as they are asked to attack the passer. They need to be disciplined, tough and instinctive, embodied by their top player at the position, Trey Flowers. There are several edge players that could interest them in the earlier rounds, but Jennings, who also fits all those traits, would be a nice consolation prize later in the process.

The Lions have dipped into the Alabama front-seven well twice under Quinn’s watch, choosing defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson in 2016 and Da’Shawn Hand in 2018. Jennings would be able to play both standing up and with a hand in the dirt. Like most Alabama defensive players, Jennings is a smart and efficient player. He’s not an elite athlete, but he has long arms, helping him cover more space and bat down passes.

With a severely limited offseason program on the horizon, the Lions will need to add players in the draft who can step in right away and contribute. Jennings may never be a dominant edge rusher or a game-changer, but he’s an experienced, high-floor player whom the Lions should keep an eye on when the middle of the draft arrives.