Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft: Taking the best player available
Third Round
66. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Troy Andersen. 50. Montana State
Andersen stands as the best non-FBS defensive prospect in this draft class based on production, and he has backed it up with strong showings in the pre-draft process (4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, at 243 pounds). He posted a 9.98 Relative Athletic Score, with comps that include Bruce Irvin, Von Miller and Luke Kuechly.
The Lions linebacking corps severely lacks upside and sideline-to-sideline pursuit ability. As pointed to by Anthony Treash of PFF, Andersen is pretty new to the linebacker position.
"He (Andersen) earned an 86.3 PFF grade for Montana State in 2021 and led the FCS in defensive stops (67). What makes that even more impressive is that it was his first full season at the position after playing running back and quarterback."
Andersen might be a second-round pick. But he fell here, as the best player on the board, and I jumped at the chance to add someone interesting to the Detroit linebacker group.
97. Florida. Dameon Pierce. player. 50. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RB
The Lions aren’t desperate need of a running back, with D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds lined up to hold down the top three spots on the depth chart in 2022. But Williams is entering the final year of his contract, and Swift has to show he can stay healthy. Swift is also currently under contract through 2023 on his rookie contract, entering a prove-it year for him. With the general attrition at the position, churning the backfield depth chart is important for any NFL team.
Pierce had 13 touchdowns on just 100 carries during his final season at Florida, as he posted PFF’s highest FBS rushing grade in 2021 (93.5) and forced 39 missed tackles on those 100 attempts. He also added three touchdowns on 19 receptions, while averaging 11.4 yards a catch last season.
Pierce has an all-around pro-ready skill set, and tread left on the tires after never being a workhorse in college. Someone may end up with a steal when they draft him, and he was the best player available for the Lions here late in the third round.