Detroit Lions Three Round Mock Draft 2.0

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Matters have changed for the Detroit Lions since I published my first mock draft. The team has been practically marking out over their long snapper, Don Mulbach, being named to the Pro Bowl. No disrespect to Mulbach intended, but if that doesn’t encapsulate how this past season has been for the Lions, I don’t know what will.

The biggest change, however, came with the hiring of the team’s new offensive coordinator. On January 16th, the Lions announced former Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell as Jim Bob Cooter’s replacement. Bevell won a Super Bowl with Seattle in 2013, and was one yard away from winning a second consecutive championship. However, we know how that one played out. 

Now, with the picture for the Lions a little more clearer, allow me to get into my second mock:

With the 8th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select Clelin Ferrell, Defensive End, Clemson

LSU CB Greedy Williams, who I mocked in my first iteration, will likely not be there at #8 for the Lions picking. In result, we turn the attention to the front seven. Whether you go with a linebacker such as LSU’s Devin White, or find a lineman, you really can’t go wrong. I have concerns that White may go a few picks ahead of Detroit, so Ferrell it is.

Ferrell is a prospect who can come off the edge and pressure the quarterback, but is also a rather solid run stopper. He will make his money as a pass rusher, and has the strength, speed, and athleticism to be a force on any defensive line. The play of Ferrell allows him to flow to the play, as he has the ability to shed blocks and get in on tackles.

With the 43rd overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select Germaine Pratt, Linebacker, NC State

Germaine Pratt is a converted safety coming out of North Carolina State as a redshirt Junior. He was the fourth-leading tackler on NC State, despite not starting on defense. Pratt has quick processing skills, is rather sound in coverage, and can stop the run as well. He is also a sound tackler, wrapping up low and driving through his opponent’s legs.

Pratt can appear scatterbrained at times, and doesn’t always seem confident in going after the football. He stands to improve his play at the line of scrimmage, especially his block shredding. Pratt seems to be at his quickest when he’s just a designed attacking backer. He is a bit of a project, but would provide an option for one of the worst linebacking cores in the league.

With the 84th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select Caleb Wilson, Tight End, UCLA

Darrell Bevell will get a new toy to add to the misfit collection he currently contains. Bevell may favor a tight end as his primary receiver, and while Caleb Wilson won’t be a world beater, he could be a solid receiving target. He has excellent hands and doesn’t shy away from passes that are being gunned at him. That bodes well, considering Matthew Stafford has one of the strongest arms in the league.

Wilson has impressive initial quickness, but isn’t overly quick. He lacks real NFL size, and needs to add muscle. Wilson is not the most polished blocker, due to the lack of size. In addition, he also doesn’t break many tackles while receiving, and struggles to generate any significant yards after contact.

Featured Image: Duane Burleson/Associated Press