Perfect Picks: Detroit Lions
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan
It’s a tough year to be at the top of the draft. The upper end talent is not the strength of this crop. That said Michigan native Hutchinson should be a nice fit with the mentality Dan Campbell is infusing into the Lions. Effort and motor are key characteristics that the new look Detroit side are searching for and the edge rusher fits the bill. The Lions have plenty of holes on this roster so adding the best player available is the priority over filling holes. Hutchinson has the chance to be a defensive leader from early in his career.
Round 1 - Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
After an impressive Senior Bowl it’s unlikely that you find Malik Willis available at this slot. If he was, I think the Lions race the card up. That’s not to say that Willis is the finished product. The Lions would be one of the better landing spots for the Liberty signal caller in that they have a serviceable starter. Jared Goff can give Willis the breathing room needed to sit and develop. Of course the Lions faithful will be keen to see the big arm and athleticism of Willis, but the extra year could be the difference in him being a success in the league.
Mid Round Gem - Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Round 2 is a bit of a stretch for a mid-round gem but Cine would be the Lions third pick of the draft, so we’ll use some poetic license. Both Tracy Walker and Dean Marlowe are heading for free agency. The Lions will make bringing Walker back a priority but finding a safety should still be on the agenda. Will Harris was better at nickelback so a partner for Walker would be beneficial. Lewis Cine’s calling card is his versatility. His athleticism gives him elite closing speed and good coverage skills. Pair that with his physicality and heat-seeking missile like tackling and he seems a perfect fit for the Lions backfield.
Late Round Sleeper - Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
The Lions are crying out for help on the wide receiver front. Amon Ra St Brown was a pleasant surprise at the backend of the year but you can expect them to go after a big name in free agency or the draft. There is likely to be a run on receivers between their two first round selections so we addressed it by taking Justyn Ross in round 3. By further adding the electric Skyy Moore at the backend of the draft, the group is overhauled. Moore is an excellent route runner with speed to burn, he can operate outside and from the slot, providing a dynamic weapon for the new look Lions offense.
Draft In Full:
2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
32. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
34. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
66. Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
98. Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama
176. Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
181. Grant Calcaterra, TE, SMU
218. Luke Wattenberg, IOL, Washington
233. Christopher Allen, EDGE, Alabama