Detroit Lions: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft, version 3.0

When in doubt, give Matt Patricia pieces he could work with that could turn into good value down the line. There are some questions about Kingsley Keke’s fit within a defense, but that may not matter to a guy like Patricia who likes his defense to be multiple and able to morph from week to week.

A projection as a situational or rotational player is just fine at this point in the draft. Keke has a higher potential ceiling than that, though. Da’Shawn Hand quickly out-played his draft position and it’s easy to see Keke doing the same if the Lions were to pick him up late on day three.

I mentioned pass rush felt like a deficiency in making the Maxx Crosby pick and this is another case of looking for a particular position to round out the draft. Penn State’s Ryan Bates was a college tackle that projects to be a guard in the NFL, giving the Lions some versatility while lining up with where their biggest offensive line need is currently.

Bates may face an uphill battle to ever winning a roster spot but he tested out as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in this draft. Maybe there is enough of the things that can’t be taught to give Bates a chance as he gains functional strength and power and refines his technique.

See some picks you like, or some that you really don’t like? Hit me up on Twitter and we can discuss! And remember, this mock is meant as just one scenario in series of possible scenarios so be sure to check out each version and let me know which is your favorite.