With the Detroit Lions season sadly coming to a close, most followers of the team turn their attention to the NFL Draft, a key area for improving the team in many aspects. The Lions have the 6th overall pick thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade that saw him go to the LA Rams. With this draft class not really having a can’t-miss prospect, options are wide open for how the Lions could draft based on who falls to them.
Reach: Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter, the defensive lineman out of Georgia, is a highly touted prospect projected to go in the top 3 picks. The 6’3, 300lb lineman was a powerhouse on a star-studded defense at Georgia and looks to carry on his talent to wherever he ends up. If for some reason he falls to number 6, he would look to overhaul the nose tackle position with Alim McNeil and potentially Isiah Buggs, depending on if he returns in free agency. If Carter falls to 6, it should be a no-brainer for Holmes and the rest of the front office.
Target: Tyree Wilson
Tyree Wilson’s mixture of agility, strength, and power is something that is hard to pass up in a team’s edge rusher group. The 6’6, 275lb is a prime addition to a Lions team that already has 2 rookie studs in Hutchinson and Houston. Wilson could make this one of the youngest and most efficient groups in the league. In this past season, Wilson managed 7 sacks for a mediocre Texas Tech team in the Big 12 and has a lot of room for growth. Wilson is expected to go into the 5-10 range, so don’t be shocked if the Lions pull the trigger come April.
Safety: Joey Porter Jr.
Joey Porter Jr. is a high-flying cornerback coming out of Penn State. Porter is proven in both man and zone situations and would be a great addition to a very weak cornerback group. His mix of athleticism and speed can create depth in the Lions’ cornerback room. His draft status is currently mid 1st round, so there will be the option to take Porter Jr.
