Safety Geno Stone Would Bolster Lions' Secondary
The top three Lions safeties all played over 55 percent of the defensive snaps a year ago.
Detroit head coach Matt Patricia likes to deploy three-safety sets quite often.
And despite drafting a couple of safeties in the third round over the past two years, the Lions once again might need to address the position.
Newly acquired safety Duron Harmon has earned the nickname "The Closer" due to his knack for securing interceptions at critical junctures late in football games.
If Lions general manager Bob Quinn decides to continue to add to the secondary in the middle rounds of the draft, there are players that would provide a much-needed boost to Detroit's secondary, including former Iowa safety Geno Stone.
Safety Geno Stone, Iowa
Arm: 29 1/4 inches
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 207 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.62 seconds
Vertical jump: 33.5 inches | Broad jump: 116 inches
Draft stock: Projected to be taken in rounds 4-6
Stone has drawn several comparisons to the newly acquired Harmon.
While Stone's combine performance did not help shoot him up draft boards, some scouts have expressed his strengths and abilities will make him a solid role player in the NFL.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
According to The Draft Network:
"Blue collar — about as tough as they come. His functional play strength is strong but stacking blocks can be problematic due to his lack of length. His effort should never be questioned however and you can routinely watch him working off the back side of plays to try to corral and rally into a contain position."
In 2018, Stone secured 39 tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble.
Last season, Stone was a defensive team captain for the Hawkeyes. He secured 70 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and an interception.
Patricia should be impressed with Stone's very high football IQ, physical tackling and incredible toughness.
At the NFL level, Stone will need to improve his overall awareness and performance in man-coverage schemes.
If drafted in the middle to later rounds, Stone could be a solid contributor in Detroit's secondary for years to come.
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