2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after Week 13
DE. Clemson. Clelin Ferrell . 9. player. 50.
Clelin Ferrell has racked up 26 sacks in the last three seasons at Clemson, including 10.5 sacks in 2018 to go along with 16.5 tackles-for-loss.
The Lions need help all across their defense as they rank 30th in defensive DVOA. Premier pass rusher Ziggy Ansah is slated to be a free-agent this offseason, and he’s likely to be too expensive to retain on the open market. That would leave them looking to find a pass rusher to take his place in free agency or in the draft.
They could also look at improving the interior of their defensive line with the hot-and-cold play of A’Shawn Robinson. The Lions rank 24th in the NFL in run defense, and grabbing Mississippi State’s Jeffery Simmons or Auburn’s Derrick Brown would be an immediate upgrade at that position.
I think Ferrell makes the most sense, though, as the best player available at a position of need for Detroit. The senior Clemson standout has the potential to be an immediate impact player at the next level.