The 2019 NFL Draft is now just weeks away. The second round of MSE Madness is here. The people have spoken, and the matchups are getting tighter. Who does Lions Nation want their team to select in the first round of the draft? Will the Lions stay at their currently slotted eighth pick? Will they trade up or down?
#1 Seed: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
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Pros
Williams plays with great leverage and anticipation. He’s able to adjust to blocking schemes and penetrate to the ball. Once he is in space, he has the quickness to make plays on the edges in pursuit. Also has the ability to diagnose plays which allows him to pressure the quarterback. Was an AP first-team All-American as well as first-team All-SEC player.
Cons
As a defensive tackle, size matters. He has to use his leverage because he is average in size. He doesn’t have the strength to take on double teams. Not effective when offenses run at him, will get lost in the wash.
Draft Position
He likely will get drafted in the top 5-7 picks. The question will be if he starts falling, is he worth it to the Lions to trade up? That would likely cost a second round pick. Also, is there room at DT on the Lions roster? NFL Comp: Jonathan Allen
#4 Seed: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
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Pros
Prototypical size and length. Anticipation and a quick first step allows him to be first off the ball. Good at getting into gaps and disrupting plays. Has good hands and can use them to get an advantage on offensive tackles. Won the Ted Hendricks Award as well as being named first-team All-ACC. Had 11.5 sacks in just 15 starts.
Cons
He’ll need to add some weight to be able to hold up for an entire game against the offensive tackles he’ll face. Struggles with tackling in space. Needs to develop additional pass rush moves. Could be a little more fluid in his movement.
Draft Position
There’s a good chance that he will be there when Lions select at eight. Would the Lions select a DE after signing Trey Flowers? Ferell likely falls in that 7-18 range. Could the Lions trade back and then pick him? NFL Comp: Jason Pierre-Paul
The Pick is in
Given what the Lions have done in free agency and how their roster is constructed, I lean heavily to taking Ferrell. The Lions already have Damon Harrison, A’shawn Robinson and Da’shawn Hand (who rotates at DT and DE). Yes, they signed Trey Flowers, but you can never have too many pass rushers. Quinnen Williams is not, in my opinion, a generational talent at DT. They draft to make the team better. My pick is Clelin Ferrell
Who is your pick? Vote on Twitter!
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