Seven Senior Bowl prospects who could interest Lions
Under general manager Brad Holmes’ direction, the Detroit Lions have become one of the NFL’s top selecting teams.
Last season, Holmes used his first four picks to select guys who ultimately proved to be major contributors. His selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall choice shocked a lot of people, but Gibbs went on to record over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in his rookie season.
It will take time to see if Holmes can replicate this accomplishment. The Senior Bowl is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Lions may be interested in seven of the players that are playing.
United States Team
T’Vondre Sweat, Texas; IDL
One of the best interior talents available in this year’s draft is Sweat. He has a propensity for slowing down opponents in the run game and has a powerful motor on the inside. After recording eight tackles for loss and two sacks during his final season at Texas, he was named a unanimous first-team All-American.
It’s difficult to block the skilled defender inside. His skills might complement Alim McNeill well as Detroit aims to maintain its position as one of the league’s top run-stopping teams.
Alabama’s Chris Braswell, LB
Dallas Turner, who is probably going to be one of the first defenders taken in the draft, deservedly received a lot of attention about Alabama’s defense. Braswell did contribute somewhat, though, with eight sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.
He fulfills Detroit’s requirements for their SAM linebacker, profiling as an outside linebacker. In addition, he is able to bend around the edge and help with the pass rush. His skill set makes it possible for him to play three downs at a higher level.
Johnny Wilson, Wide Receiver,
FSU
With Josh Reynolds, Jameson Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown as a strong triumvirate, the wide receiver position appears to be in good shape for the Lions. None of the other three actually possess Wilson’s size, though.
Wilson caught 43 catches for 617 yards and two touchdowns in his strong last season at Florida State. At six feet seven, he is the quintessential red-zone threat and downfield target, able to outleap opponents at the catch point.
Although he lacks breakaway speed, his size makes him a desirable potential. Early in his career, if he can show that he has strong hands, he might be a solid insurance and depth piece for the Lions.
National Group
Penn State’s Kalen King, CB
Prior to the impending offseason, the Lions have a serious need at cornerback. In his rookie campaign, Cam Sutton fell short of his projections, and the Lions rotated their selections at the number-two spot.
Therefore, late in the first round, the Lions might consider playing a player similar to King. With a 90.6 coverage grade in college football last season, he was among the finest at his position. But in 2023, he produced less than before.
King is a fascinating evaluation that might develop into a top-tier shutdown cornerback. Throughout the week, it will be interesting to watch him to see how he does against the best wide receiver competition.
UCL, Edge, Laiatu Latu
Following an injury that almost ended his career, Latu has had an incredible two-year comeback with UCLA. At 13 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss this season, he was one of college football’s finest EDGE rushers.
If his medicals clear him, he should go off the board before Detroit is on the clock due to his skill set and the positional demand of EDGE rushers. But Holmes has never shied away from making a move to get a player he likes.
Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, CB
Mitchell received a 91.6 Pro Football Focus coverage grade this season for his outstanding play for the Rockets. He wasn’t as good as some of the other players, but he was still a legitimate shutdown player who fared well in Week 1 against Power Five opponents in Illinois.
Mitchell is a possibility for the Lions with the 29th pick because he is thought by many to be a first-round selection. His season total of just three missed tackles indicates that he possesses a tenacity to his game that fits well with Detroit’s style of play.
Kansans Cooper Beebe, OG,
Although the Lions’ offensive line is among the finest in the league, the group is about to reach a crucial phase. Jonah Jackson, the left guard, is a free agent, thus Detroit may look to bolster the group with younger players.
Though he decided to come back for one more season, Beebe was thought to be among the better choices in the previous class. This season, he played mostly on the interior for the Wildcats, but he also saw some action at left guard and right tackle.
Both his adaptability and the 90.4 run-blocking grade he received from PFF for his season-long play are appealing attributes. He is an explosive player that complements Detroit’s offensive line’s style.
