One IDL Lions Could Select in Every Round of NFL Draft

Examining potential fits on the interior defensive line.

The Detroit Lions made a big move early in the offseason to add proven talent to their defensive line. 

In signing DJ Reader, the organization added a solid nose tackle who fits nicely with versatile talent Alim McNeill. Last year, McNeill was playing at a Pro Bowl level before suffering a knee injury late in the year. 

With Reader at the nose and McNeill roving around the three- and five-techniques, the Lions have a strong foundation. However, the depth behind them is largely unproven. As a result, the organization could seek out help in the upcoming Draft. 

Here is one defensive lineman the Lions could target in each round of the NFL Draft. 

Round 1

Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Newton is a good fit within the Lions’ defensive line rotation. He’s not a traditional nose tackle, which would allow him to spell Alim McNeill and provide production up front. 

The Illinois product is a polished player who uses his hands and an array of pass-rush moves to be an impact player from either the three- or five-technique. Though he’s considered undersized with his height and weight, he makes up for it with his skill set. 

Newton has been mocked anywhere from the mid-teens to the late first round ahead of April’s Draft. Even though the Lions added Reader and have McNeill returning, he’d be hard to pass on if he falls to the 29th overall pick. 

Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois defensive lineman Johnny Newton (DL20) speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2

Braden Fiske, Florida State

Fiske had a superb showing at the NFL Combine, displaying an assortment of athletic traits that surely helped his status ahead of the Draft. At 6-foot-4 and 292 pounds, he ran a 4.78 40-yard dash and jumped 33.5” in the vertical. 

This athleticism will be a major help at the NFL level, as his shortcomings from a skill perspective will be made up for in athleticism. He has legitimate pass-rush juice, too, as evidenced by 19.5 sacks in his collegiate career. 

He has quickness in the pass-rush game, which does make up for some struggles in the run game. Even so, he’d be a solid rotational piece for the Lions’ defensive line. 

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) reacts to a tackle.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3 

Leonard Taylor III, Miami (Florida)

Last season, Taylor took on a bit of a new role for the Hurricanes on the defensive line. After spending the majority of the 2021 and 2022 seasons working in the B gap, he played 202 snaps in the A gap compared to just 124 in the B per Pro Football Focus. 

At his best last year, he was dominant up front. Taylor has a good first step and can win by striking opponents and using his athleticism to get by. However, he was inconsistent and finished his three-year college tenure with just six career sacks. 

The Lions have been fond of developmental linemen in recent years under Holmes, such as Levi Onwuzurike and Brodric Martin being past selections. Taylor could be in a similar model, but he will likely be taken early in an effort for a team to maximize and control his development. 

Sep 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Leonard Taylor.

Andy Lewis-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4

The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection

Round 5

Logan Lee, Iowa

After selecting a pair of Iowa products in last year’s Draft, the Lions could go back to the well in the form of the talented Lee. He fits the mold of a high-motor player who displays a relentless effort on film. 

He appears strong and tough to block at points, as he is physical and uses his hands well. He also has a strong pass-rush repertoire as he can put in solid work against opposing blockers. 

Lee lacks a bit in athleticism and could use some fine-tuning in his technique. Still, his relentless play style and toughness would be a good match for the Lions’ culture.

Sep 9, 2023; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Logan Lee (85).

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6

Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati

After beginning his career at Virginia, Briggs took his talents to Cincinnati for the final three years of his collegiate career. Finishing with 12 career sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss, he was able to be an impact player for the Bearcats. 

Briggs is billed as a defender who is strong with his hands, which allows him to be powerful at the point of attack. Like Lee, he also is a high-motor player which makes him appealing in the later rounds. 

Athletically, Briggs is a touch behind the curve. He’s also lower on the scale in terms of his measurements such as arm length and height. If he can develop and make up for these setbacks with his physicality, though, he could develop into a nice rotational player. 

Oct 21, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats defensive end Jowon Briggs (0).

Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7

Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois

Randolph doesn’t bring the same level of pass-rush production that top prospects bring, but he has proven to be a solid contributor in the run game. In 2022, Randolph had an eye-popping 13 tackles for loss. 

Randolph also profiles more as a five-technique than further inside, so he brings a unique skill set. His performance dipped a touch in 2023, but he was still able to manage four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 10 games. 

His different skill set has the potential to allow him to carve out a niche at the next level. He’ll be an intriguing Day Three prospect because of his potential. 

Nov 25, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr.

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