2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl 53 edition
By Randy Gurzi
8. Detroit Lions: Devin White, LB, LSU
Despite going 6-10 in 2018, the Detroit Lions have a decent roster to work with. Yes, there have been some questions about quarterback Matt Stafford who hasn’t been as effective over the past couple of seasons, but he’s still good enough to win games. Especially now that Kerryon Johnson is there and giving them a legitimate run game.
Even with some of the bigger names being offensive players, the Lions were better on defense than offense — which makes sense considering head coach Matt Patricia’s background as a defensive coordinator. With their first-round pick in this mock, they look to get even better in this area by taking LSU’s Devin White.
The junior linebacker was constantly around the ball for the Tigers and has some high praise from scouts around the league according to draft expert Matt Miller.
"“He might be the most athletic player in the entire class. I’ve heard stories about his battles with Leonard Fournette, and they’re on a similar level athletically.” — Unnamed scout via Matt Miller of Bleacher Report"
White can help a defense that limited opponents in terms of yardage, but struggled to stop the points, round into shape. And once Patricia gets the kind of defense he wants, their offensive woes won’t seem so bad.