2019 NFL Mock Draft: How high will Kyler Murray go in projected first round?

The Lions need help on both sides of the ball after finishing the season ranked 23rd in offensive DVOA and 28th in defensive DVOA.

Detroit’s main focus is likely to be on the defense with a defensive-minded head coach in Matt Patricia. They need upgrades at all three levels, and one of their main priorities will be to potentially replace the pass rushing production of free-agent Ziggy Ansah.

I don’t think Rashan Gary will ever project to be an elite rusher off the edge, but he has the tools to be a disruptive force at multiple positions along the defensive line. Patricia fluctuates his defensive scheme between a 4-3 and a 3-4, and finding a player like Gary who is versatile enough to play on the end or in the interior would provide a boost.

He can play tackle or end in the base 4-3 scheme, while working predominantly as an end when they’re in a 3-4 alignment. He managed only 9.5 sacks in his 34 games at Michigan, but he flashed disruptive tendencies with 23 tackles-for-loss during that same time period as the Wolverines boasted one of the nation’s best defenses during his time in Ann Arbor.

Detroit uncovered a gem in fourth round pick Da’Shawn Hand last season, but everyone else up front has been inconsistent. Bringing in some competition, particularly a guy who probably immediately become the most talented guy on the defensive line, makes sense.

I expect Detroit to also seriously consider LSU linebacker Devin White with this pick to add a versatile, supremely athletic signal-caller to the middle of their defense. They also ranked 27th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt given up, so they’re likely to consider a defensive back here as well like Georgia cornerback Deandre Baker or even Alabama safety Deionte Thompson.