With only a week away before see many of these young men dream’s come true on draft day, many experts and analysts are making their final takes on what teams could do when that day arrives.
Ryan Fowler from The Draft Network is the next one in line to give his take on a Detroit Lions 7-round mock, taking players in a position of need, but what comes into question were they the right players?
1st round (7)- Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
2nd round (41)- Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
3rd round (72)- Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
3rd round (101)- Tyler Shelvin, DL, LSU
4th round (112)- Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
5th round (153)- Richard Lecounte III, S, Georgia
Sewell has been a popular choice as of late for the Lions and a viable one with the notion that the top of the draft will see a run on quarterbacks. The young, athletic tackle will instantly make the offensive line a major strength heading into the season and create a foundational piece for years to come.
Fowler did make a questionable take of moving Taylor Decker to the right side so Sewell could play on the left side, which brings on some double-takes but don’t worry, he goes on to say Sewell has enough versatility he can make a move to the right side.
If the Lions miss out on Ja’Maar Chase initially, his teammate could be ripe for the picking for the Lions in the second round. Marshall is a physical specimen that uses his body, size, speed to his advantage to make the tough catches, but he lacks separation and route refinement to take his game to the next level. If he improves his weak areas, he will be an immediate threat that could line up inside and outside for the Lions.
Werner has athleticism for days, and that’s a complete 180 from what Lions fans have been accustomed to the last few years. Werner did a little bit of everything at Ohio State, showing off his versatility to blitz and coverage to led the Buckeyes in tackles last year. With all of his physical traits and keen prowess, he will likely fill the SAM role behind Alex Anzalone and play a rotational until he is ready to take on the job full time.
The defensive line is not a major weakness for the Lions, but they could use depth, and Shelvin could be that reinforcement, but it may not be exactly a scheme fit for what the Lions plan on doing on defense. Shelvin is one huge beast at nose tackle and becomes an anchor holding down gaps, making him a strong run blocker, but he offers very little when it comes to pass rush. In the old regime, he would’ve been perfect, but this regime will want their defensive tackles to attack and not hold the fort down.
Now, if there is one player you could literally fly, it is Mukuamu with his insane 80 3/4 in wingspan, which was the biggest amongst this year’s cornerback draft class. He led the Gamecocks in interceptions the last two years while seeing time at corner and free safety, showing his versatility in the deep part of the field. Even though he had the length, he has not quite learned how to use it and tends to bite hard on moves. He will have plenty of time to get coached up and at which part could learn to use his length to his advantage.
Lecounte did not do himself any favors at his Pro Day, where he put up some of the worst numbers you will see from potential safety prospects. Even though he has a strong aptitude in pursuit and field coverage, he is undisciplined and overaggressive, leading to either the receiver getting behind him or miss the tackle all together. As a team captain last year, there is no denying his heart and energy when it comes to the game; there are just too many holes in his game amongst his lack of athleticism and durability concerns.