Detroit Lions get familiar defender in free agent mock draft

In a mock draft of top remaining NFL free agents, the Detroit Lions land a familar defensive player.

As we cross into June now, there are still some notable names out there in NFL free agency. The Detroit Lions, and many other teams, could find worthwhile bargains right now. It’s just a matter of needs, fit and cost.

With the number of recognizable names still available in mind, Nicholas McGee and Cyril Penn of The 33rd Team have done a mock draft of 20 top remaining NFL free agents based on the order of April’s draft. So the Lions went “on the clock” at No. 2.

The first overall pick in the free agent mock draft, of course owned by the Jacksonville Jaguars, was wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

So who did the Lions land?

Detroit Lions land familiar defender in The 33rd Team free agent mock

With the second overall pick in The 33rd Team’s free agent mock, the Lions got a familiar defensive player, formerly of a division rival, to address a lingering need.

"2. Detroit Lions – Anthony BarrThe Lions have received widespread praise for their efforts this offseason. However, linebacker is still a significant area of concern for Detroit.Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes and Jarrad Davis are their top three players at the position. Injuries have limited Barr to 13 games over the last two seasons, but he can consistently make plays in the backfield and in coverage. He would be a low-risk gamble worth taking for the Lions."

Anthony Barr of course spent the first eight seasons of his career in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings. He has four Pro Bowl selections on his resume (consecutively from 2015-2018), but also never quite seemed to fulfill his full potential. Over the last two seasons, injuries limited him to a total of 13 games. In 11 games last year he was pretty productive though, with 72 total tackles, three interceptions and 2.5 sacks.

As an off-the ball linebacker who can be an all-around factor and provide some leadership, Barr has been easy to see as a solid possible fit for the Lions. It’s also hard to see signing him now as all that likely for Detroit, but if they did bring him aboard it’d be a low-risk, possible solid-reward move.