In Mock Draft 3.0 from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, the Detroit Lions double-up on former Georgia Bulldog defensive players.
The Georgia Bulldogs won the national title last year, led by a stifling defense that is sending….nine? players to the NFL this year. I admittedly don’t know the exact count, but they could all be gone within the first 100 picks or so. With five of the aforementoned first 100 picks in April’s draft and needs across the defense, the Detroit Lions are keenly aware of any incoming former Bulldogs’ defensive players.
Off a great NFL Combine showing, even overshadowed by linemate Jordan Davis, Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker practically cemented himself in the top 10 to 12 overall picks. There was some quick buzz attaching him to the Lions all the way up at No. 2 overall.
Further down the board, with the final pick of the first round and the second pick in the second round in quick succession, former Bulldogs like Davis, linebacker Nakobe Dean and safety Lewis Cine could be on the Lions radar if they are available.
Daniel Jeremiah has the Detroit Lions doubling up on Georgia defenders
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah released his Mock Draft 3.0 on Wednesday. He had the Lions taking Davis at No. 32 in his second mock draft of the year, so it’s not a stretch for him to find a way for Detroit to again get someone from the best defense in the country last year.
At No. 2 overall, Jeremiah comes through.
"Pick 2: Detroit Lions-Travon Walker, Edge, GeorgiaWalker has the athleticism and scheme versatility to fit in with any of the teams at the top of the draft."
Classifying Walker as an edge rusher feels like a pigeon-holing of what he can do, but Jeremiah points to his scheme versatility to address that.
Then down at No. 32, Jeremiah has the Lions taking a second former Georgia defensive player.
"Pick 32: Detroit Lions (from Rams)-Nakobe Dean, LB, GeorgiaIn this slot, Dean would be the best value pick of the first round."
There’s a fair chance Dean does not last to 32nd overall, as arguably the top off-ball linebacker in this draft and no lower than the second-best, which Jeremiah points to in citing how he’d be a steal at that spot. If he’s there, Dean would be a no-brainer pick for the Lions to end Round 1.
Getting one former Georgia defensive player, within their first three or four picks, should practically be a goal for the Lions in this draft. Getting two in the first round feels uneasy and like a a real reach, but it’s not totally out of the question