Detroit Lions wait to second round to get edge rusher in Pro Football Network mock
In a fresh mock draft, the Detroit Lions wait until the second round to add an edge rusher.
Depending on how free agency goes (re-signing Charles Harris, adding anyone else), edge rusher could still be a pretty significant need for the Detroit Lions heading into April’s draft. With the second overall pick, Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux are the top options, and Travon Walker may have entered the conversation too.
Even if they draft Hutchinson, Thibodeaux, etc., the Lions could double-up on edge rushers by taking one in the later rounds.
James Fragoza of Pro Football Network came out with a new three-round mock draft on Friday. With the No. 2 overall pick, and Hutchinson not available, he builds on the buzz around a certain quarterback.
"2) Detroit Lions: Malik Willis, QB, LibertyThe Lions are not good enough to hedge at the quarterback position. They either take one at No. 2 or not at all. My bet is on Malik Willis, who, by all reports, blew scouts away at the NFL Combine. He owns arguably the strongest arm and the best set of legs in the class. His tools are first-round worthy, but Willis is far from a polished prospect as a true quarterback."
Wide receiver is also a big need for Detroit, and Fragoza has them taking one at No. 32.
"32) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Jameson Williams, WR, AlabamaWillis launching deep bombs to Jameson Williams while Amon-Ra St. Brown, T.J. Hockenson, and D’Andre Swift handle the intermediate and underneath routes? That will have defenses looking “Like Toy Soldiers.” Speaking of Slim Shady, Williams’ slender frame and ability to disrespect defenses with his speed may earn him the nickname in the Motor City."
Williams is reportedly making nice progress from his late-season ACL tear, and may be ready to go for training camp. There’s a chance he’s gone before the Lions go on the clock with the final pick of the first round.
Detroit Lions get an interesting edge rusher in second round of PFN mock
The draft is a zero-sum game. As prospects rise, surprisingly to be taken in the first round in some cases, others fall. On that premise, the Lions get an edge rusher early in the second round of Fragoza’s mock.
"34) Detroit LionsGeorge Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue"
Karlaftis has been tabbed as a first-round pick in mock drafts, even top half of the opening round in some. The mock draft momentum for him as a top-10 pick has mostly stalled, but dropping to early second-round is new.
With high marks for a relentless motor, Karlaftis is certainly a player Lions head coach Dan Campbell has taken some notice of. He’s a bit raw, with essentially two seasons of play at Purdue, but Detroit (or anyone else) would gladly snap Karlaftis up if he fell out of the first round.
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