Mock drafts are everywhere right now and the majority of them have the Detroit Lions taking either Jeffery Okudah, Chase Young, Derrick Brown, or Isaiah Simmons with their first pick.
After a while, the mundanity can set in seeing the same few players getting slated to the Lions, so we at Lions Wire decided to add a twist to traditional mock drafts by introducing a series of mock drafts that select prospects exclusively from one school.
To kick off the series, we are staying in-state and beginning with the University of Michigan.
Round 1
Pre-combine there may be only one Wolverine that might receive first-round consideration, interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz.
Ruiz has been gaining steam as of late to a point being regarded as the top interior lineman in the draft. He a versatile chess piece having played both center and guard while at Michigan and can fit into any scheme. With his strong mobility in space and heavy anchor, he was the highest-graded pass blocking center in 2019 through PFF. With it looking more likely Graham Glasgow leaves in free agency, the Lions could look to dip their toes in another versatile Michigan lineman to help the offensive line.
The Lions are too far up in the draft to take Ruiz, but if the Lions make a trade and acquire the 26th pick from the Dolphins, the Lions could theoretically take Ruiz to shore up the gaps that plaque the offensive line at the bottom of the first round. If Ruiz has a strong showing at the combine, he could boost his draft stock and go from a fringe first-round prospect to a sure one.
The Lions have a need at Ruiz’s position and he could anchor the vacant guard spot for years to come.
Round 2
I feel like there are two Michigan products the Lions could tag as their second-round pick, JACK linebacker Joshua Uche or receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Uche enjoyed a major rise to his draft stock after a dominant showing at the Senior bowl and Lions fans instantly fell in love with the local product.
He was able to show he can handle not only edge rushing, but play sticky coverage on tight ends and running backs. With his versatility as a JACK/SAM linebacker, he screams fit for the Lions.
People-Jones production in Michigan was something left to be desired considering how much of big-bodied receiver he was but with the low level of targets, it’s hard to lay the blame solely on him. With his size, speed, and ball skills, he could easily be a productive receiver at the next level. Even though his route running could improve, he has the look of receiver coaches who would love to get their hands on.
Even though the Lions have another high second-round pick, one could make an argument for either player to be the Lions’ selection. Uche will help shore up a disappointing pass rush and People-Jones could become a versatile piece in the receiving corps. It would be tempting to give Matthew Stafford another weapon, but the Lions need to look at improving their defense and Uche will help in not only edge pressure, but strong coverage abilities where the Lions lack in their linebackers.
Round 3
The Wolverines had one of the more impressive offensive interior lines this past season and the Lions could look to double-dip into that talent by selecting guard Ben Bredeson in the third round after selecting Ruiz in the first round.
Bredeson might not be as athletic as his counterpart, Ruiz, but he makes up for it with strength and power. He will plant you in the ground and have a smile on his face doing it because he loves setting the tone early. With his strong physicality, he is a great fit in a man heavy scheme perfect for what the Lions what to do in the trenches.
Even though the Lions tagged Ruiz as their first-round pick, the guard spot is in a flux and could use more bodies and they could do worse than Bredeson manning one of those spots or provide a quality backup.
Round 4/5
The Lions’ secondary could use some help and thankfully for them the Wolverines offer a couple of intriguing options Day 3 of the draft, cornerback Lavert Hill and linebacker/safety Khaleke Hudson.
Hill’s skill set allows him to play outside, but because of his size, he is more favored to play in the slot. Having only one season of starter experience his production is minimal, but between his sticky man coverage, strength, and ball skills, he could be a diamond in the rough in the later round. The Lions could use him a potential prodigy to Coleman and provide depth on the outside in case of injuries.
Hudson is going to be one of the player’s teams might not know how to use him having played the VIPER position during his Michigan tenure. Essentially think of Hudson as a poor man’s Isiah Simmions, a free-roaming defensive chess piece, having logged snaps at off-ball linebacker, edge defender, slot corner, box safety, and deep safety. If a smart team can get ahold of him and figure out the best way to use the versatile defender they could have a player who can match up well against offenses. Since the Lions love versatile players, Hudson could match up well, starting on special teams, but could work his way to defensive snaps.
With their second fifth-round pick, the Lions might have to reach a little bit to grab a Michigan player, but tight end Sean McKeon could match up well in the Lions offense. McKeon is of those versatile tight ends who could be a three-down player with strong skills at catching and blocking. He is a technical, smart player who understands how to use leverage to his advantage and either seal off defenders or find the open spot for the catch.
The Lions likely aren’t looking for a top tight end after taking T.J Hockenson in the first round last year and signing Jesse James to a big contract, but McKeon could be one of those players who can sneak in and provide quality play as a TE3 for the Lions.
Round 6
Late in this draft, you aren’t looking for someone to contribute immediately, but the Lions could select this once highly regarded prospect who they got a first-hand look at the Senior Bowl, quarterback Shea Patterson.
Even though Patterson showed good mobility and arm strength, accuracy has plagued him constantly. He has the ability to extend plays but might tend to panic quickly and take off if his first read isn’t available or take the check down option. Patterson does have the tangibles to slide into a backup role and maybe, with some good coaching, groom into something bigger. Since the Lions were able to coach Patterson at the Senior Bowl, they know what they are getting with him and possibly vision a role for him.
Summary
Here is how the Lions draft could shape up with all Michigan players:
Late 1st- Cesar Ruiz, C
2nd- Joshua Uche, JACK
3rd- Ben Bredeson, G
4th- Lavert Hall, CB
5th- Khaleke Hudson, LB/S
5th- Sean McKeon, TE
6th- Shea Patterson, QB
Now some of the players may be reaches at this time, but with the Combine still to go, it is hard to tell how the draft will play out. Uche, Bredeson, Hudson, McKeon, and previously mentioned Patterson all participated at the Senior Bowl, so the Lions got a personal look at the majority of these players and General Manager Bob Quinn love drafting from the Senior bowl.
The University of Michigan will be well represented with the second most participating players giving the Lions another opportunity to get a first-hand look at the players. So it’s not out of the realm of possibilities to see some of these players finding their way on the Lions roster come draft day.
