EVB’s Detroit Lion’s Mock Draft 2019

It is almost NFL Draft time! Matt Patricia’s tenure with the Lions isn’t off to a very promising (6-10) start. In fact, his first appearance against the Jets on Monday night will go down in infamy and I’ve actively tried to delete it from memory. But like every other Lions fan, I crave the offseason where hope is in the air and the only winning and losing refers to money.

To most fans surprise, Bob Quinn has been using his sorcery to bring in top free agent prospects with back-loaded contracts. And on top of that, they are all relatively young! Below are my offseason thoughts and annual Detroit Lions mock draft (not including trades) for your viewing pleasure! (I will be adjusting up until draft day)

OFF-SEASON NEEDS (In order of priority): OG, WR, OLB/EDGE, TE, CB/S, RB, Backup QB

OFF-SEASON ACQUISITIONS: Trey Flowers, DE | Justin Coleman, CB | Jesse James, TE | Danny Amendola, WR | Oday Aboushi, OG| Andrew Adams, S

KEY LOSSES: Ziggy Ansah, DE | Glover Quin, S | T.J Lang, OG | Nevin Lawson, CB

EVB’s 2019 DRAFT PICKS

ROUND 1, PICK 8: Devin White, ILB, LSU – Highlights

The number of solid options leads me to believe Quinn will likely trade down in this scenario, but if not, it’s very hard for me to pass up on a candidate like Devin White. While Jarrad Davis offers great run stuffing support, White would be an improvement in coverage, ran a 4.42 40, and will give us a more well-rounded 3-4 front.

Alternatives: Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State | DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss | T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

 

ROUND 2, PICK 11: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa – Highlights

While Jesse James is a clear upgrade from our last years cast of tight ends, we still need a receiving mismatch to open up Golladay and Jones. Enter Noah Fant, one of two Iowa tight ends that put on a show at the combine. This dude is an athlete and could be the red zone monster we have been craving.

Alternatives:  Brian Burns, DE, Florida State | Devin Bush, ILB, Michigan | Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

 

ROUND 3, PICK 25: Connor McGovern, G/C, Penn State – Highlights

McGovern led Saquon Barkley and the Nittany Lions run game and has the flexibility of playing both guard and center. After the loss of T.J. Lang, which was sad yet expected, we have a literal hole in the right side of our line. While I am holding out we make another veteran guard signing (Josh Kline?), we may have add depth in the draft.

Alternatives: Vosean Joseph, OLB, Florida | Amani Oruwariye, CB, PSU | Irv Smith Jr., TE, Bama

 

ROUND 4, PICK 9: Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas – Highlights

To continue our quest to develop the NFL’s best defensive front, we need to add some more depth and I feel that Charles Omenihu is our guy. He has drawn comparisons to Romeo Okwara, who coincidently, had a fantastic year with us last season racking up 7.5 sacks.

Alternatives: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S/CB, Florida | Andy Isabella, WR, UMass | Sione Takitaki, ILB, Brigham Young

 

ROUND 5, PICK 8: Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson – Highlights

We need help in a WR core that is short of surehanded receivers, which was proven late in the season last year. Renfrow is a fantastic route runner that knows how to find space and come back to the QB. He could be a longer-term solution than the Amendola signing.

Alternatives:  Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford | LJ. Scott, RB, MSU | T.J. Edwards, LB, Wisconsin

 

ROUND 6, PICK 11:  Karan Higdon, RB, Michigan – Highlights

Kerryon needs some support in the running game and I believe the answer is a local product. Karan & Kerryon has a nice ring to it! He is a physical downhill runner that could be a great change of pace from our versatile number one RB. In a run-heavy offense, Higdon was able to put up over 1,000 yards in the season with an average of 5.3 ypc.

Alternatives: Drue Tranquill, LB, Notre Dame | Gardner Minshew, QB, Wash St. | Dru Samia, G, Oklahoma

 

ROUND 6, PICK 32: Tyree Jackson, QB, Buffalo – Highlights

Originally hailing from Michigan, this Buffalo prospect is extremely enamoring at 6’7″ with a 4.59 40 yard dash. He has an extremely strong arm, although sometimes inconsistent, and the ability to score with his feet. Would love to see him compete for the backup spot or push Connor Cook to his true potential.

Alternatives: Albert Huggins DT Clemson | Jojo McIntosh, S, Washington | Ben Powers, G, Oklahoma

 

ROUND 7, PICK 10: Malik Gant, S, Marshall – Highlights

There is nothing I like more than a hard-hitting safety, and that is exactly what Gant provides. If he is available this late in the draft it is a no brainer for me. We need depth and I believe he could be a formidable force in our secondary.

Alternatives: Danny Wise, DT, Kansas | Mike Bell, S, Fresno St | Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M

 

ROUND 7 PICK 15: Blace Brown, CB, Troy – Highlights

Although Blace Brown appeared to take a minor step back in 2018, he still showed a great ability to find the ball and make big plays. His injury, performance at the East-West Shrine,  and slow combine may drop his stock and allow us to snag him with our last pick of the draft.

Alternatives: Anthony Nelson, DT, Iowa | Joshua Miles, G, Morgan State

 

I am can’t wait to see what happens throughout the rest of free agency, who the Detroit Lion’s end up drafting, and if we are going to be on Hard Knocks this year. Please drop me a comment on your thoughts and concerns. Go Lions!

Stay casual until next Tuesday!

EVB

 

Here are the links to my past mock drafts: 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2020 | 2021