The 2020 NFL Combine continued their on-field drills on Saturday night, this time featuring interior defensive lineman, EDGE rushers, and linebackers. As always, the workouts begin with the 40-yard-dash, and when they shifted into position drills, we got to see a handful of new drills.
The Lions appear to be overhauling their interior defensive line and that typically means investing in a high draft pick. If they double-dip at a position in the draft, it’ll be here. Let’s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.
Derrick Brown, Auburn
6-5, 326, 10 y/s: 1.73
In on-field drills, Brown looked sharp in his steps, smooth through his hips, bend around the edge, the ability to work in small places, showed power in hands, and the ability to learn quickly when introduced to new drills — something some of the other prospects struggled with.
It’s clear there were some issues with some of his agility times, but as far as the measurables the Lions will be interested in, he hit most of the marks.
[lawrence-related id=39280]
Jordan Elliot, Missouri
6-4, 302, 10 y/s: 1.71, Short shuttle: 4.73
If the Lions add a run-stuffing nose tackle in free agency, and pass on Brown in the first, Elliot would be a nice consolation prize in round two if he lasts that long. His arms (32 5/8″) are under the preferred 34″ mark, but he hits the Lions preferred thresholds in the 10-y/s and short shuttle.
Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina
6-4, 275, 10 y/s: 1.72, Short shuttle: 4.37
Maybe I am cheating a bit here including Strowbridge with the interior defensive line after he worked out with the EDGE rushers at the Combine, but the fact of the matter is, he played on the interior for the Tar Heels, my NFL comparison for him is Kevin Strong, and I’m not sure he has the 3-cone to live on the edge on a regular basis. What he does have is the ability to contribute in a variety of ways similar to Strong (and Da’Shawn Hand), and his short shuttle is a great indicator of how he would add speed to the defensive line.
Davon Hamilton, Ohio State
6-3.5, 320, 10 y/s: 1.8, bench: 33 reps
Hamilton’s game is power based and his position group leading 33 reps on the bench press backed that up. His 1.8 second 10-yard-split and on-field performance in drills, helped his cause for showing he’s more than just a run-stuffing interior plugger. Both he and Strowbridge were on the Lions coached North roster at the Senior Bowl, which could go a long way towards the Lions feeling comfortable with either of them.
Notes:
- Khalil Davis (6-1, 308, Nebraska) had the fastest 10 y/s of the interior defensive linemen with an impressive 1.66 seconds. His twin brother Carlos (6-2, 313, Nebraska) had the second-fastest 10 y/s at 1.67 seconds.
- Malcolm Roach (6-2, 297, Texas) looked nice in last nights combine drills and would be nice depth at the Lions Big DE position (Da’Shawn Hand’s role) but he has gone on record saying he didn’t like Texas’ 3-3-5 scheme last season which may take him off the Lions board.