Between the Detroit Lions’ numerous requires this offseason is acquiring a extra dependable playmaker reverse Darius Slay in the secondary.
In his newest mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Lions plugging that hole with the No. 8 choose, slotting LSU’s Greedy Williams to Detroit.
“Detroit requires an edge rusher with Ezekiel Ansah likely headed out of city, and the Lions would enjoy to increase a strong limited end, but Williams is the greatest need-benefit match at No. 8,” McShay writes. “The Lions tied for next-fewest interceptions in the league with seven, and the tall LSU corner has the closing pace to bait quarterbacks and then pounce on their mistakes. Motor Town has not absent cornerback in the first round considering that Terry Truthful in 1998.”
Very last time, the Lions cycled by way of four solutions reverse Slay: Nevin Lawson, DeShawn Shead, Teez Tabor and undrafted rookie Mike Ford.
Lawson observed the field the most from that group, rotating in between outside the house cornerback and nickel tasks. He confined opposing quarterbacks to a 62.5 per cent completion percentage on throws his route, but also led the workforce with 11 penalties, extra than double everyone else on the roster, when breaking up just 5 passes. He also remains with out an interception for his occupation.
Tabor, a next-round choose in 2017, was expected to be the remedy to the Lions’ need at this location, but he is coming off a disastrous marketing campaign. A healthful scratch for several video games, he allowed a perfect passer ranking in coverage when he was on the field.
Tabor’s struggles paved the way for Ford’s advertising off the apply squad and subsequent playing time at the end of very last time, such as four begins. The rookie out of Southeast Missouri Point out also struggled in coverage, but confirmed some promise as an open up-field tackler.
Williams will be an attention-grabbing scenario at the scouting incorporate in a number of weeks, starting off with his weigh-in. He’s currently outlined at 6-foot-2, 182 pounds. That size can be tantalizing for talent evaluators, particularly if it arrives with earlier mentioned-common pace and leaping ability, but he would need to increase some pounds to withstand the rigors of the qualified sport, particularly in operate assistance.
As a playmaker, Williams recorded 8 interceptions and 19 passes defensed in 24 video games over two seasons at LSU.
McShay has previous Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary heading to the New York Jets at No. 3 in general.
“Henry Anderson is a free of charge agent, and Leonard Williams has just one calendar year still left on his deal,” McShay writes, “so defensive end is a need for Gang Eco-friendly. Gary has excellent sizing (6-foot-5, 283 pounds) and athleticism with an explosive closing burst.”
Gary is just one of two ex-Wolverines McShay has slotted for the first round, projecting linebacker Devin Bush to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20.
“There is a void in the Steelers’ linebacker corps without Ryan Shazier,” McShay writes. “Bush, an athletic each individual-down backer, has the instincts to perform Shazier’s middle linebacker location. With Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt also in the mix, this unit could be very dominant.”
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Justin_Rogers
