In a conference call last week, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah was asked if there's a team that's poised to put together a really strong class.
"I'm intrigued to see what happens with the Detroit Lions," Jeremiah said, "because they're right on the cusp. They are a really good team. Within a whisker of making the playoffs last year. When you look at where they're picking, they have four of the top 55 picks and another one there at 81.
"So they've got a chance to add some real, real help to their roster. And the way their lineup is set up right now, they don't look like they can't line up and play tomorrow at a certain spot. So that allows them to take the best available player."
Thanks to GM Brad Holmes, the Lions have a strong roster and deep well of resources in the draft, including picks Nos. 6 and 18 overall. As Holmes said last week, they have the flexibility to "go pretty much any direction we want and feel good about it." Even quarterback, if that's what their board tells them. But adding to their defense feels like the aim, especially with their premium picks.
In that regard, the best-case scenario for the Lions would be four QB's going in the first four picks. That would ensure that at least two of the top three defensive players -- Will Anderson, Jalen Carter and Tyree Wilson -- are on the board at No. 6. While Jeremiah agrees, he sees the board a little differently.
He says "the ideal draft for the Lions" starts with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
"My ideal scenario for them is Witherspoon, who I love," Jeremiah said. "One of my favorite players. He is plug-and-play. I think he will fit with their culture and their grittiness that they've installed there in that organization.
"(At No. 18), I say (Texas running back) Bijan Robinson. You passed him once. If he is there the second time, it's almost like this is a gift. I can't turn this away. That would just be fun to watch him run behind that offensive line and see what he can do."
Related
Jeremiah doubles down at corner at No. 48 with Miami's Tyrique Stevenson: "Really good. Has some history playing in the slot as well. Man, you talk about upgrading your secondary. The pieces you would have in place there would be pretty dynamic."
"Then I have (tight end Luke) Schoonmaker (at No. 55)," Jeremiah said. "You have to go with a popular pick, get the guy from Michigan and throw him in there as well."
So: Witherspoon, Robinson, Stevenson and Schoonmaker in the first two rounds, with five more picks to follow, for a team that's already favored to win its division. However it shakes out, it's safe to say the Lions are sitting pretty ahead of Thursday night.
"They're in great shape," said Jeremiah. "I don't know that there's many teams you would rather be than them right now, with where they are as an organization and the assets they have to go ahead and take that next step."
Listen live to 97.1 The Ticket via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker