2020 NFL Mock Draft, Week 3: First-round projections – Justin Herbert rising?

Grant Delpit is probably one of the Top-5 players in the 2020 draft class, and the Lions would be getting an absolute steal if he falls in their laps at No. 12. Delpit is a rangy, ball-hawking, attacking safety who is versatile and can fill a variety of roles on defense.

Delpit is the unquestioned alpha on LSU’s defense, and while he could stand to improve his one-on-one tackling, there’s still so much to like about his game. Delpit is a highly intelligent player who is effective at communicating signals to the whole defense. He has excellent ball skills with the ability to hold up well in man-coverage when tasked with doing so against opposing receivers.

He’s physical enough to hold up against tight ends, and then quick enough to match up with receivers on the outside or in the slot. He can play in-the-box and be effective against the run, and he can play deep and act as a centerfielder when necessary as well.

The Lions could be tempted by a wide receiver such as Clemson’s Tee Higgins — and they would love to see Isaiah Simmons still on the board here — but an upgrade at safety is needed and Delpit would have a great argument as the top player on the board at this spot.