It’s always notable when a team dispatches both the GM and the head coach to a single pro day. That’s what the Lions did on Friday, with general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell in prominent presence at BYU’s pro day.
The featured attraction and the presumptive reason for the heavy interest is quarterback Zach Wilson. The 6-2, 214-pounder is widely regarded as one of the top three QB prospects in this draft class. Campbell and Holmes have not shied away from saying the team is still in the quarterback market despite the presence of Jared Goff, even after his recent contract shuffling that strengthened the Lions’ financial commitment over the next two seasons.
Despite the considerable presence by the Lions, they were upstaged by the New York Jets. That team sent the GM, head coach and offensive coordinator to Provo to check out Wilson. And with the No. 2 pick in their possession, if the Jets contingency wants Wilson, they’ll get him before the Lions can even think about it at No. 7. Two other teams selecting before Detroit, the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles, also had both GM and head coach in person for Wilson’s workout.
Wilson is the obvious headliner, but he’s not the only Cougar prospect who could intrigue the Lions in next month’s draft. OT Brady Christensen is a middle-round talent who fits the Lions scheme and can play right tackle. Tight end Matt Bushman would be much more renowned if he didn’t miss 2020 with an injury; he’s a late-round option who was BYU’s top receiving talent in 2018-2019. Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga is a sturdy middle-round prospect as well.
Editor’s note–the Eagles traded out of the No. 6 pick during the process of writing this article.
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