Second Round
For lack of better available options at other positions, taking another cornerback from a very deep class at the position felt right here.
Willliams’ final season at Syracuse was ended early by a torn ACL against Notre Dame in late-October, otherwise he would likely be ranked and rated higher than he is. Pro Football Focus Mike Renner still has him ranked as the eighth-best corner in this draft class.
The Lions play a lot of man coverage, so this note from PFF stands out to make Williams a fit. He may even be versatile enough to play outside and in the slot, which would heighten his appeal for the Lions.
"He was just stuck in a scheme that didn’t play to his strengths. Williams played 49-of-170 coverage snaps this past fall in man coverage — only 20 of which were in press. That’s going to take a massive leap next fall, as he’ll be coveted by man-heavy teams."
Syracuse DB Garrett Williams (@garrettismynam3) is the type of player who I could see working inside-out at the next level. He is quick twitch... always remaining in phase. Can be a matchup negator. pic.twitter.com/VeLcAL7pSd
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) May 19, 2021
The board just didn’t fall right to allow me to take an interior defensive lineman for the Lions earlier than here.
Ojomo is not big, relatively (281 pounds), and he comes off as a bit of a tweener–not big enough to anchor and plug things up consistently on the inside at the next level, and not explosive enough to be dynamic off the edge.
But Ojomo gets high marks for his motor and hand usage, the former of which will easily adhere him to the Lions coaching staff–some stuff can be coached up, effort level is not one.
Third Round
Lions fans would probably love the idea of having Penei Sewell’s brother on the team too, and the board fell that way for me here. But make no mistake, this Sewell on the defensive side of the ball is a player himself.
Sewell had 56 tackles in 12 games last season. In 2021, he posted 114 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Over his final two seasons as a Duck, he had nine pass breakups and two interceptions.
The Lions have one budding star linebacker in Malcolm Rodriguez. Sewell would look pretty good next to him, immediately if not for the foreseeable future beyond 2023.