2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season

The Lions need help all over the gridiron after finishing the 2018 season ranked 23rd in offensive DVOA and 28th in defensive DVOA. One of their main priorities will be identifying an edge rusher and added defensive line depth, with the expected loss of Ziggy Ansah in free agency and some inconsistent young players up front.

I’m not sure if Rashan Gary ever projects to be an elite edge rusher, but he has the tools to be a disruptive force at multiple positions along the defensive line. Matt Patricia’s defensive scheme fluctuates between a 4-3 and a 3-4, so finding a player who fits both could be good idea here.

Gary can play defensive tackle in the base 4-3 system, and then shift to defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. He’s not an elite pass rusher, logging only 9.5 sacks in his 34 games for the Wolverines, but he flashed the potential with 23 tackles-for-loss, and was constantly the center of opposing gameplans, allowing teammates like Chase Winovich to feast off the edge.

The Lions uncovered a gem in fourth round pick Da’Shawn Hand last season, but A’Shawn Robinson has been too inconsistent in the middle. Bringing in some competition, particularly a supremely talented guy like Gary, would be a big benefit.

If Greedy Williams is on the board, I could see Detroit pulling the trigger on him. The Lions’ secondary surrendered 7.9 yards per pass attempt in 2018, which was tied for 27th in the league.

If they wanted a more productive edge-rusher, they could target Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell.