Mock Draft Roundup: Lions Add Defensive Firepower
It's time for this week’s SI All Lions mock draft roundup.
Over the last week, Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson has been most frequently mocked to the Detroit Lions at No. 6 overall.
Let’s explore now who the draft analysts believe Brad Holmes and the Lions are selecting in their latest mock drafts, starting with the No. 6 pick.
Defensive back Brian Branch, Alabama
Branch is currently being selected by the following:
Pro Football Network (Ian Cummings)
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Witherspoon is presently being mocked by the following:
Defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Bresee is currently being mocked by the following:
NFL.com (Bucky Brooks); Pro Football Focus (Marcus Mosher); Draft Countdown (Shane Hallam); *The Draft Wire (Luke Easterling); *indicates a trade
As Mosher writes,
“The Lions are close to being a real contender in the NFC, but they’ll need improvements along the front seven of their defense. Aidan Hutchinson was fantastic as a rookie, but they need more help on the interior. While Bresee doesn’t have the production of a top-10 pick, he is a unique athlete with incredible size and strength. The best part is that he plays incredibly hard, which is a must for head coach Dan Campbell.”
Cornerback Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Ringo is presently being picked by the following:
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Witherspoon is presently being mocked by the following:
Defensive lineman Myles Murphy, Clemson
Murphy is presently being picked by the following:
*The Draft Network (Damian Parson); CBS Sports (Josh Edwards); *indicates a trade
EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Wilson is currently being mocked by the following:
ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.); CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson); Walter Football (Walter Cherepinsky); The 33rd Team (Scouting Department); Tankathon
As Kiper opines,
“The Lions finished the season with eight wins in their final 10 games, but their explosive offense papered over massive holes on the other side of the ball. They ranked last in the league in yards per play allowed (6.2) and opposing QBR (55.9); they had issues defending the run and the pass. Wilson, the top true defensive end in this class, would help both. He can use his burst at the snap to beat offensive tackles on passing downs or use his 6-foot-6 frame to hold up against the run. An edge-rushing duo of Wilson and Aidan Hutchinson would be formidable, with surprise rookie James Houston working in on obvious passing downs."
Michael C. Johnson, USA TODAY Sports
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Let's turn our attention now to who the draft analysts have projected for Detroit at No. 18.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid, Utah
Kincaid is presently being mocked by the following:
EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Van Ness is presently being mocked by the following:
Pro Football Network (Ian Cummings)
Defensive back Brian Branch, Alabama
Branch is currently being mocked by the following:
Pro Football Focus (Marcus Mosher); Draft Countdown (Shane Hallam)
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Witherspoon is presently being mocked by the following:
CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson); The Draft Network (Damian Parson)
As Parson writes,
“The Lions’ pursuit to improve their defense continues with their second pick in this NFL mock draft. Dan Campbell loves toughness and physicality, and CB Devon Witherspoon embodies this perfectly. His tackling in space and in run support is better than most CBs that I have studied. Pairing him with Jeff Okudah sounds like a dream come true.”
Tight end Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Mayer is currently being selected by the following:
Cornerback Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Ringo is currently being mocked by the following:
As Edwards writes,
"Kelee Ringo is impressive from a height, weight and speed perspective. He was no stranger to getting twisted around at the route stem but shows great recovery speed. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn should be a valuable resource for Ringo.”
Linebacker Henry To'o To'o, Alabama
To'o To'o is presently being mocked by the following:
Linebacker Trenton Simpson, Clemson
Simpson is currently being picked by the following:
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Gonzalez is currently being mocked by the following:
NFL.com (Bucky Brooks); ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.); The 33rd Team (Scouting Department)
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Porter is currently being selected by the following:
Walter Football (Walter Cherepinsky)
Cornerback Cam Smith, South Carolina
Smith is currently being mocked by the following:
