2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after the college football season
S. Alabama Crimson Tide. Deionte Thompson. 10. player. 50.
After coming over from the Bill Belichick coaching tree, Matt Patricia’s first stint as a head coach has not gone smoothly. The season started with reports of the players not adapting to his tough coaching style, and there have been a number of games where the Lions simply look outmatched and outcoached.
Although the passing defense has been fairly good, giving up only 238 yards per game through the air (13th in the league heading into this weekend), the Lions are giving up 26 points per game.
Drafting Deionte Thompson would improve the defense considerably, as he can make plays in the backfield and help cover tight ends and receivers over the top of the defense.
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The fourth-year junior has made plays all over the field for the Crimson Tide, as he has posted 70 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles this season.
Heading into the SEC title game Alabama was giving up a little under two touchdowns per game (13.8), and Thompson is a big part of it. If the Lions pass on Thompson an offensive lineman could be the pick here.