The Detroit Lions were officially eliminated from playoff contention last weekend with a loss to the Bengals, shifting their focus to the offseason. With their first-round pick being in the late teens, which prospects will they be looking at in the selection? Here are Detroit's three most likely targets in the first round of the draft:
1) Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes
Hubbard is a big physical defensive end for the Buckeyes and his ability to get after the quarterback is why he will be drafted in the first round. He has the size and the length scouts look for at 6"5" and 265 pounds with the speed to compliment that size. In a quarterback-driven league, there is a high demand for pass rushers who can get to the quarterback at a high rate. Hubbard still needs to improve his ability to stop the run but is good enough pass rusher to be a first-round lock and will improve Detroit's defensive line.
2) Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas Longhorns
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54561629/usa_today_9526432.0.jpg)
Detroit needs linebacking help and Jefferson has all of the tools to be a game breaker against both the run and in coverage. Jefferson is finally starting to live to his potential as a dynamic linebacker, leading the Longhorns in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. He'd fill a huge hole for the Lions.
3) Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ward has been the most consistent corner for the Buckeyes this season and was one of the most important pieces to that defense. He has the frame of an ideal NFL corner with the long arms but is still a little thin and struggles with physical wide receivers especially in press coverage. His agility and ability to accelerate quickly and break up passes is the reason why Ward will be going in the first round.
Follow our Detroit Lions team page for all the latest Lions news or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the Detroit Lions Newsfeed