Nov 7, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) celebrates after he sacks Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Hayden Rettig (11) in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 46-16. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn and his staff have been everywhere on the pre-draft circuit. With a long list of prospects that the Lions have been connected to, there are a few that have popped up multiple times on the visit tracker. These players don’t always end up being their selection on draft day, but it can be a great resource as to who and what the Lions are looking for. Below are five names that seem to be top targets for the Lions:
Reported meetings with the Lions: Combine interview, Local visit, & Private visit
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 277-pounds
40-yard dash: 4.92 sec
Bench: 25 reps
Vertical: 33 inch
Broad jump: 116.0 inch
7-cone: 7.17 sec
20-yard shuttle: 4.39 sec
Overview: A fan favorite for the Lions at pick-21, the Lions are doing their due diligence with the Michigan product. Devin Taylor struggled to fill the void left by Jason Jones at defensive end next to Ziggy Ansah. With Taylor still a free agent, the Lions could use a long, all around end. Charlton may not have the highest potential out of the remaining options in the first round, but he will not be around in the second for Detroit.
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2. Obi Melifonwu, Safety, Connecticut
Reported meetings with the Lions: Senior Bowl interview, Pro Day visit, & Private visit
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 224 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.40 sec
Bench: 17 reps
Vertical: 44.0 inch
Broad jump: 141.0 inch
7-cone: 7.05 sec
20-yard shuttle: 4.09 sec
Overview: Melifonwu is the most athletic safety in the draft, and yes, that even includes a class with Jabrill Peppers. While at the Senior Bowl, the 6-foot-4 safety looked like a wide receiver but had that cover skills of a top cornerback. His phenomenal play down in Mobile, AL piqued the interest of the Lions. Safety might not be the biggest immediate need for the Lions but they would have to select him in the first if they determine he is the one.
3. Quincy Adeboyejo, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
Reported meetings with the Lions: Pro Day visit & Private workout
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 197-pounds
40-yard dash: 4.42 sec
Bench: 8 reps
Vertical: 34.5 inch
Broad jump: 123.0 inch
7-cone: 6.73 sec
20-yard shuttle: 4.14 sec
Overview: Unlike the previous two targets, Adeboyejo is a late round prospect. He has the size/speed ratio that teams covet. He would fall into the same category as Cody Core, Trevor Davis, and Jay Lee of last year’s draft. The Lions were interested in all the aforementioned deep threats in 2016 and the UDFA Lee didn’t appear to work out. Once again, they are on the hunt for a solid 4th receiver with some special team talent.
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4. Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington
Reported meetings with the Lions: Pro Day visit & Combine interview
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 200-pounds
40-yard dash: 4.43 sec
Bench: 11 reps
Vertical: 39.5 inch
7-cone: 6.56 sec
20-yard shuttle: 3.89 sec
Overview: Much like Melifonwu, King is a tall, rangy athlete that has the agility of someone half his size. Constantly overshadowed by teammate Sidney Jones, King jumped up the ranks after his impressive combine. He has been mocked as high as the first round recently. It may be a reach at 21 for Detroit, but he would be a great value if he is still around in round two.
5. Takkarist McKinley, Defensive End, UCLA
Reported meetings with the Lions: Combine interview & Private visit
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 250-pounds
40-yard dash: 4.59 sec
Bench: 24 reps
Vertical: 33.0 inch
Broad jump: 122.0 inch
7-cone: 7.48 sec
20-yard shuttle: 4.62 sec
Overview: Early in the pre-draft process, McKinley was often pegged as a top-15 pick. Supposed to be one of the better athletes at his position, there were concerns about his size, tight hips and lack of bend around the edge. All of those trepidations appeared at the combine in the agility drills. At an even 250-pounds, he would be a very small traditional 4-3 defensive end. Mckinley’s best fit would probably be as an outside backer in the 3-4.
